BOOK REVIEW: Pauling's Recipe for Longer Life

    How to Live Longer and Feel Better. Linus Pauling. W. H. Freeman and 
Company, New York, 1986. 322 pages. 

    Why should one be interested in one more of many books dealing with one 
of the most written about topics of our time? Because of its famous author. 
Winner of two Nobel prizes Ä for chemistry in 1954 and peace in 1962 Ä this 
celebrity identifies himself as "scientist, a chemist, physicist, 
crystallographer, molecular biologist, and medical researcher." P. viii. He 
is also a humanitarian. He has not only authored several other books, but 
also received over 40 honorary degrees from colleges and universities in the 
U.S. and abroad. 

    His regime is simple. Follow a rational, moderate life style and 
supplement it generously with the nutrients that strengthen the immune 
system. That means daily supplements of 25,000 units of Vitamin A, one or 
two super-B tablets, 400-1,600 I.U. of Vitamin E, a mineral supplement, and 
most important, 6-18 grams of Vitamin C. He is aware that the "official" 
adult RDA for this vitamin is 60 mg, but builds a powerful case for taking 
much more. In fact, it was he who originated the name orthomolecular 
medicine for the practice of ingesting optimum rather than minimum amounts 
of vitamins and suggested drug therapy be called toximolecular medicine. 

    Of course, everything can be overdone, but the idea of taking huge 
amounts of Vitamin C is less far-fetched than it may seem. Pauling points to 
some foods which, even if consumed in moderate amounts, can supply massive 
doses of ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C: black currants, green and red peppers, 
certain berries, lemons and limes. 

    Saturating the system with Vitamin C exerts an antiviral influence, 
providing protection not just against the common cold, but also against 
influenza, mononucleosis, hepatitis, and herpes. No other nutrient may be 
more valuable for the immune system. Large intakes reduce the symptoms and 
discomforts of cancer. Studies have shown that those who contract cancer 
have abnormally low levels of Vitamin C. It has a therapeutic effect on AIDS 
victims. In concentration it also "inactivates poliomyelitis virus and 
destroys its power of causing paralysis," P, 127. It can protect the liver 
from hepatitis, stomach and intestines from ulcers Ä which may be caused by 
aspirin and potassium chloride tablets. 

    It hastens recovery from surgery, helps regulate cholesterol levels, and 
staves off cataracts. He tells of a study involving 351 students in four 
schools and three cities, chosen on a "socio-economic basis," which clearly 
demonstrates a definite relationship between Vitamin C and one's IQ. It also 
has a regenerative effect in battling mental retardation and autism. 

    Pauling especially recommends taking extra Vitamin C when one has been 
in contact with people suffering from colds or other communicable disease 
and also when fatigue, insomnia and stress occur. He scorns the view that as 
long as one doesn't have scurvy, one is getting adequate Vitamin C. He 
discusses not only scurvy's awful onslaught in times past, but also points 
out that its pain and suffering were merely its terminal symptoms, claiming 
that a great many present-day health problems going under different labels 
may simply be mild forms of scurvy. 

    Because it is 100% nontoxic, "one can take any amount of ascorbic acid 
without the least danger." P. 7. People claiming side effects from too much 
of it may either have other problems, or be unable to handle excipients, 
bindings, fillers etc, which are part of some Vitamin C tablets. 

    That is why the good doctor recommends pure Vitamin C powder or 
crystals; it is also more economical.1 He gives the name and address of the 
mail order house from which he purchases the 18 grams he takes daily along 
with just 4 other tablets (vitamins A, B, E and a mineral formula). In 1985 
it all cost him but 41› a day. He takes 12 grams of Vitamin C before 
breakfast, dissolved in fruit juice or water Ä  the rest later. When under 
extra pressure, he ups the dosage. 

    He tells of correspondence with Dr. Szent Gy”rgi, Vitamin C's 
discoverer, who endorsed and practiced taking the vitamin by the gram. 
Despite terrible suffering and deprivation during World War II in his native 
Hungary, Dr. Gy”rgi lived into his mid-90s. He offers an easy way of 
ascertaining one's personal tolerance level for Vitamin C: if one gets 
diarrhea, and there's no other reason for it, one should cut back. By the 
same token, it can be an aid to regularity. Despite his taking most of his 
Vitamin C before breakfast, he urges that it and all other supplements be 
divided into small doses taken throughout the day and also comparison 
shopping. 

    He discusses its synergistic potential with other vitamins: it 
cooperates with Vitamin E in protecting the blood vessels and other tissues 
against oxidation. Jointly, they also help prevent cardiovascular disease. 

    Since vegetarians are aware they may be lacking Vitamin B-12 unless a 
deliberate effort is made to put it in the diet, they'll be interested in 
its major role in combatting mental disease. Lack of it is generally linked 
almost only to pernicious anemia, and it is also linked to mental illness. 
Victims of both have low levels of cobalamin, Vitamin B-12s scientific name, 
which, if judiciously raised, brings betterment. The vitamin may be taken 
orally for mental illness, but in cases of pernicious anemia, injections are 
needed. 

    Dr. Pauling has served up a most helpful, readable, well-documented 
potpourri of valuable information. While he singles out tobacco and 
processed sugar for his chief ire, it is regrettable that he condones, even 
"in moderation," some items that have no place in the aspirant's life style. 
The fact that he's still going strong in his 90s (born February 28, 1901) 
attests to his system's value, yet it would be even more effective if flesh 
foods and alcohol were completely banned.2	p 

                                                            --A Probationer 


1. There is much evidence that Vitamin C and other supplements derived from 
natural/organic rather than synthetic sources are superior. 

2. Time's carefully researched 6-page cover story of April 6, 1992, on "The 
Real Power of Vitamins" mentions Dr. Pauling and tells how "they may help 
fight cancer, heart disease and the ravages of aging." A ringing endorsement 
of orthomolecular medicine!