LEARN ABOUT THE FORMA DIFFERENCE

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230 E 17th St., Ste 202

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Medical Foods

Medical Foods — a unique category of FDA-regulated products that meet the distinctive nutritional requirements or prevent the metabolic deficiencies of a particular disease state — are available from FORMA in our Costa Mesa physical therapy office. The prescription Medical Foods products available through FORMA are formulated to provide distinctive nutritional advantages that cannot be met with a simple dietary shift.

Utilizing Targeted Cellular Technology (TCT) to deliver specific amino acid precursors to the target cells, Medical Foods provide macro and micronutrients, promoting positive results while minimizing the chances for side effects and dangerous interaction with other drugs. This is achieved by administering low doses of each compound.

At FORMA the main classes of medical foods available include (click on any of the following “learn more” links for a PDF file containing an overview of each medical food):

Medical Foods prescribed by FORMA uses Targeted Cellular Technology

Developed by Physician Therapeutics, Targeted Cellular Technology is a unique, patented, five-component process that allows for milligram quantities of neurotransmitter precursors, which are readily absorbed by the cells and produce the required neurotransmitters. This known neurotransmitter directly functions as (1) an uptake stimulator – to increase the quantity needed to create a therapeutic effect, (2) a neuron activator  – to facilitate the desired cell function, (3) an adenosine brake (breakdown enzyme) inhibitor – to decrease the rate of breakdown of the effective substance and (4) an attenuation releaser to delay the ability of the cell to promote resistance against the effective substance (tolerance).

This last step is extremely important when caring for chronic conditions. Unlike pharmaceutical agents that can lose their effectiveness in a relatively short period of time, thus requiring larger and larger doses, Targeted Cellular Technology maintains its effectiveness and does not weaken.

Also, regular pharmaceutics require much larger quantities of the drug compound to elicit a therapeutic effect, not only leading to an inefficient utilization method for the drug, but also to many undesired side effects.

The use of the Targeted Cellular Technology process optimizes the utilization of the effective compound in a synergistic approach, increasing absorption and activation, while deterring the breakdown and tolerance-building.

Advanced Neurotransmitter Science

  • TCT allows for the production of neurotransmitters from precursors
  • Precursors in milligram quantities — not gram quantities
  • Amino acids that selectively produce neurotransmitter synthesis
  • Reduced Attenuation

Amino Acids are the Precursors to Neurotransmitters

  • 5 HTP Serotonin
  • Choline Acetylcholine
  • Arginine Nitric Oxide
  • Tyrosine Catecholamines
  • GABA GABA
  • Histidine Histamine

Targeted Cellular Technology

  • Neurotransmitter precursor
  • Uptake stimulator
  • Neuron activator
  • Adenosine brake inhibitor
  • Attenuation inhibitor

Medical Foods FAQ:

Are Medical Foods supported by clinical trials?
Medical Foods products have undergone numerous clinical trials, including double-blind controlled trials on some of the products. For more information, read (warning: clicking will automatically download a PDF file):  A Double-Blind Controlled Trial of a Single Dose Naproxen and an Amino Acid Medical Food Theramine for the Treatment of Low Back Pain and A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of an Amino Acid Preparation on Timing and Quality of Sleep.

Are Medical Foods FDA-approved or regulated?
All ingredients in Medical Foods products are listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). These products are regulated by the FDA but are not required to adhere to an approval process equivalent to that of a pharmaceutical.

Do Medical Foods work when co-administered with pharmaceuticals?
Medical Foods are often used in combination with pharmaceuticals. In many instances, a physician will be able to modulate prescribed dosages of the pharmaceuticals in order to maintain efficiency with decreased potential side effects. This is possible because Medical Foods increase the production of neurotransmitters, which in turn optimize cell function.

Are there any contraindications for Medical Foods?
Certain Medical Foods should not be taken by patients who are currently using MAO inhibitors. Otherwise, there are no known contraindications for any of the Medical Foods offered by FORMA. Please consult with Dr. Carvalho for more information.

Are Medical Foods reimbursable by insurance companies?
Currently, the Medical Foods available at FORMA are reimbursed by private insurance and Medicare.