Nutritherapy
Therapeutic approach using nutrients — vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids — at optimal doses to prevent and treat functional and metabolic disorders.
Presentation
Nutritherapy is a therapeutic discipline founded by Dr. Jean-Paul Curtay in the 1980s in France. It differs from classical dietetics through its pharmacological approach to nutrients: these are used not only to cover nutritional needs but also at targeted therapeutic doses to modulate specific metabolic pathways. Nutritherapy relies on biochemistry, molecular biology and nutritional epidemiology.
Core Principles
Nutritherapy rests on the concept of optimal nutrition: recommended intakes (RDA/RNI) are not always sufficient to ensure optimal cellular function. Individual needs vary by genetics (enzyme polymorphisms), environment (pollution, stress), lifestyle and health status. Nutritherapy uses doses often exceeding RDAs but always within research-validated safety ranges.
The pillars of nutritherapy are: correcting magnesium deficits (the most widespread), optimizing omega-3 status (omega-6/omega-3 ratio), supporting methylation (vitamins B6, B9, B12), antioxidant protection (vitamins C, E, selenium, zinc, CoQ10) and rebalancing the intestinal ecosystem.
Main Indications
- Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
- Mood disorders, anxiety, depression
- Sleep disorders
- Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease (prevention)
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Infertility and pre-conception preparation
- Premature aging and oxidative stress
- Cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders (prevention)
Common Protocols
The anti-stress protocol combines magnesium glycerophosphate (300-600 mg/day), taurine (500-1000 mg/day), B vitamins (complex), and omega-3 EPA (1-2 g/day). The immune protocol combines vitamin D (2000-4000 IU/day), zinc (15-30 mg/day), vitamin C (1-2 g/day) and selenium (100 µg/day). The anti-inflammatory protocol uses omega-3 EPA/DHA (2-3 g/day), liposomal curcumin (500-1000 mg/day), vitamin D and glutamine for intestinal integrity.
Precautions and Limitations
Nutritherapy does not replace conventional medical treatments. Drug interactions are numerous and must be systematically checked. High dosages require regular biological monitoring. Supplement quality is decisive: prefer bioavailable forms and certified laboratories.
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescription. If in doubt, always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The techniques described do not replace conventional medical treatment.