Linus Pauling

Chemist. Humanitarian. Pioneer of nutritional science.

Explore the legacy of two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. Learn about orthomolecular medicine, essential minerals, and nutritional health. Explore our Copper educational page, visit the Linus Pauling Institute for additional research, and discover more educational resources from Health Is Perfect™.

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His Life & Legacy

A Curious Mind That Changed Science

Born in Portland, Oregon, on February 28, 1901, Linus Pauling earned his degree in chemical engineering from Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University) in 1922 and his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 1925.

His 1939 book, The Nature of the Chemical Bond, became one of the most influential chemistry texts ever written. He helped describe the alpha-helix structure of proteins (1951) and, with colleagues, identified sickle cell anemia as a “molecular disease” (1949), opening new ways of understanding biology at the molecular level. He remains the only person to receive two unshared Nobel Prizes.

1954

Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Awarded for his research into the nature of the chemical bond and its application to the elucidation of the structure of complex substances.

1962

Nobel Peace Prize

Awarded (and presented in 1963) for his campaign against nuclear weapons testing, which helped lead to the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty.

1968

Orthomolecular Medicine

Pauling coined the term “orthomolecular” in a 1968 paper in Science. The word means “right molecules” — the idea that the body works best when it has optimal amounts of substances naturally present in it, such as vitamins and minerals.

In 1973 he co-founded the institute that later became the Linus Pauling Institute, now located at Oregon State University, which continues rigorous research on micronutrients and health.

1970

Vitamin C Research

His 1970 book Vitamin C and the Common Cold brought vitamin C into public conversation. He later collaborated with Scottish surgeon Ewan Cameron on vitamin C research.

Some of his high-dose ideas remain debated. Later reviews suggest regular vitamin C intake may modestly shorten the duration of colds — a reminder that science keeps asking better questions.

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Nature's Building Blocks

Six Essential Minerals

Minerals are tiny, but they help power remarkable work inside every cell — from making energy in your mitochondria to supporting immunity, thyroid function, and oxygen delivery.

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Copper

A cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, iron metabolism, and forming connective tissue.

Magnesium

Involved in more than 300 enzyme systems, including ATP energy production, muscle, and nerve function.

Zinc

Supports immune function, DNA synthesis, wound healing, and the activity of hundreds of enzymes.

Selenium

Builds selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidases that support antioxidant defenses and thyroid hormone metabolism.

Iodine

An essential part of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which help regulate metabolism and development.

Iron

Carries oxygen in hemoglobin and supports mitochondrial energy production in cells throughout the body.

The Bigger Picture

Why Mineral Balance Matters

Minerals work as a team. Too little can be a problem — and so can too much. High zinc intake, for example, can reduce copper absorption, and copper helps the body use iron. Selenium and iodine are needed in small amounts, and excess can be harmful. More is not always better; balance is the goal.

Not Every Illness Is a Deficiency

Health challenges are shaped by many interconnected factors — genetics, infections, inflammation, gut health, sleep, stress, environmental exposures, and more. Nutrients are an important foundation, but they are one piece of a much larger, beautifully connected picture.

Food First, Guidance Always

Nourishing whole foods are a wonderful starting point. Before supplementing or testing, partner with a qualified healthcare professional — especially if you have a medical condition or take medications. This page is educational and not medical advice.

Selected References

NobelPrize.org: Linus Pauling, Chemistry 1954 and Peace 1962 · Pauling L. Orthomolecular psychiatry. Science. 1968;160:265–271 · Pauling L, Itano HA, Singer SJ, Wells IC. Sickle cell anemia, a molecular disease. Science. 1949;110:543–548 · Pauling L, Corey RB, Branson HR. The structure of proteins. PNAS. 1951;37:205–211 · Pauling L. Vitamin C and the Common Cold. 1970 · Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 · Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Fact Sheets.

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