Targeted supplements are specific, bioavailable nutritional or botanical compounds selected and administered based on an individual’s unique biochemical profile, clinical symptoms, and diagnostic test results to address identified deficiencies or functional imbalances. This precise approach moves beyond general multivitamin use to employ compounds with specific molecular targets, such as hormone precursors, enzyme cofactors, or epigenetic modulators. The goal is to provide the exact molecular support required to restore optimal physiological function and hormonal balance.
Origin
This concept is a hallmark of functional and personalized medicine, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to supplementation. It stems from the biochemical understanding that nutrient requirements are individualized and that specific cofactors are rate-limiting steps in metabolic and hormonal pathways. The term emphasizes the targeted nature of the intervention, grounded in diagnostic data.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves supplying essential substrates or cofactors that directly facilitate enzymatic reactions critical for hormone synthesis, detoxification, or neurotransmitter production. For example, supplementing with iodine and tyrosine targets thyroid hormone synthesis, while magnesium acts as a cofactor in hundreds of metabolic reactions, including those related to insulin signaling. This precise molecular intervention helps overcome genetic polymorphisms or lifestyle-induced nutrient depletion, thereby optimizing systemic function.
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