Patrick Holford

Patrick Holford is a British author and entrepreneur known for promoting alternative nutrition and vitamin supplements. He has written 36 books translated into 29 languages and frequently appears in media. His work often involves pseudoscientific approaches like orthomolecular medicine, which has drawn criticism from the scientific community. Holford graduated with a BSc in Experimental Psychology from the University of York in 1979. His interest in biochemistry led him to study under pioneers in nutritional therapy for mental health. In 1984, he founded the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION), where he served as director until 1998. He received an Honorary Diploma from ION's Board of Trustees in 1995 and their Excellence Award in 2009. Holford co-founded the Food for the Brain Foundation with Professor André Tylee and was its CEO. He also directed the Brain Bio Centre, focusing on nutrition-based mental health solutions. He holds positions in various nutritional therapy organizations and served as a visiting professor at Teesside University from 2007 to 2008. Criticisms of Holford include promoting unproven medical techniques like hair analysis and supporting discredited figures such as Andrew Wakefield. Ben Goldacre challenged his claim that vitamin C is more effective than AZT for HIV, which Holford defended with studies, though lacking human trials due to funding issues. Holford also believes in a link between MMR vaccines and autism, contrary to scientific consensus. Advertising authorities have ruled against him multiple times for unsubstantiated health claims. His involvement with organizations like the Church of Scientology-backed Citizens Commission on Human ...