The Linus Pauling Institute was co-founded in 1973 by Linus Pauling, Ph.D., the only individual ever to win two unshared Nobel Prizes (Chemistry, 1954; Peace, 1962). More than 40 years ago, Dr. Pauling concluded that vitamins and other micronutrients play a significant role in enhancing human health and preventing chronic diseases, not just deficiency diseases. He founded his own institute to carry out research in this field that he believed would be of enormous importance to public health. The Institute moved from Palo Alto, CA, to the campus of Oregon State University (Dr. Pauling's undergraduate alma mater).
Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute investigate the role that vitamins and essential minerals (micronutrients) and chemicals from plants (phytochemicals) play in human aging, immune function, and chronic diseases, especially heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. A major emphasis is to understand the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in disease etiology, and the preventive effects of dietary constituents with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties.
The goal of these studies is to understand the mechanisms by which diet, micronutrients, and dietary supplements affect disease initiation and progression and can be used in the prevention or treatment of human diseases, thereby enhancing lifespan and healthspan.
The Linus Pauling Institute is one of the nation's first two Centers of Excellence for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine designated by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Major areas of research encompass cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, aging, immune function, and neurodegenerative diseases. Specific laboratories address:
The LPI operates as one of Oregon State University's research centers and institutes. The program is principally supported by gifts from individuals, private corporations and foundations; grants from federal and private agencies; and Oregon State University.
More information about micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and phytochemicals (chemicals from plants), many of which are available as dietary supplements, can be found in the Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center and Research Newsletter.
