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EFA supplementation has shown promise
in the prevention and treatment of a number of medical
conditions . . .
Thousands of research studies in the last 20 years
have shown that EFAs can have a profound effect on medical
conditions including arthritis, skin conditions, cardiovascular
diseases, diabetic neuropathy, immune function, and
premenstrual syndrome.
For scientific references, please see the Selected
References section.
Arthritis
Studies done in the last 15 years show that EFAs, in
particular GLA and EPA, can reduce the pain and joint
stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A meta-analysis
completed in May 2000 found very firm evidence that
GLA is particularly useful in reducing morning stiffness.
Over all, the research found a 60 to 65% reduction in
morning stiffness for patients who supplemented with
GLA-that means patients who typically experienced 2
hours of morning stiffness went down to about 30 minutes.
Supplementation with GLA also often allows patients
to reduce their dosage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs). In addition GLA helps protects the stomach
lining against gastric acid, reducing the side effects
of NSAIDs such as aspirin.
Data from a study conducted in 1999 at the Shriners
Hospital for Children in Springfield, MA, found that
GLA can also benefit children with Juvenile Rheumatoid
Arthritis.
Dosage: Patients may take 6 to 10 grams of borage
or fish oils per day. (Some studies indicate that borage
oil is more effective than fish oil in patients with
rheumatoid arthritis.)
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Eczema
In the last 20 years, researchers have discovered that
eczema may be linked to a deficiency of GLA. In 1997,
during a 12-week study conducted at the University of
Italy, patients taking GLA, in the form of borage oil,
saw itching decrease by 90%. These patients also saw
improvements in the patches of red skin and oozing of
wounds. Anecdotal reports indicate that GLA supplementation
also improves symptoms of psoriasis.
Dosage: Patients may supplement the diet with 2
to 3 grams of borage oil per day or 4 to 6 grams of
evening primrose oil.
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Cardiovascular diseases
It has been discovered that EPA/DHA, GLA and ALA each
play a significant role in the prevention and treatment
of various cardiovascular diseases including: high blood
pressure, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), cholesterol,
hypertension and atherosclerosis, which is the underlying
mechanism of the majority of coronary diseases and heart
attacks.
| EPA/DHA |
These EFAs found in fish oils thin
the blood and increase the elasticity of blood vessels,
allowing blood to flow more readily, which helps
reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes from
blood clotting. EPA and DHA also reduce blood triglycerides,
blood pressure and cholesterol. |
| GLA |
GLA has been shown to help correct
cholesterol levels, interfere with the growth of
atherosclerosis, and lower blood pressure. |
| ALA |
Studies have shown that a diet rich
in ALA protects against heart attacks and reduces
the occurrence of heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
as well as prolonging the lives of heart attack
survivors. ALA also helps in the prevention of atherosclerosis
and the lowering of cholesterol. |
Dosage: Patients may take 1 to 4 grams of a "multi-EFA"
combination oil per day to help protect against cardiovascular
diseases. A typical multi-EFA contains a blend of borage,
fish, and flax oils in equal amounts.
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Diabetic Neuropathy
Clinical research has discovered that GLA is an important
factor contributing to prevention and improvement of
neuropathy - nerve damage that affects between 60% and
70% of all diabetics. In fact, a recent review article
concluded that GLA supplementation is one of the most
effective treatments available today for diabetic neuropathy.
Anyone with diabetes may consider supplementing with
a good source of GLA such as borage oil or evening primrose
oil as a preventive measure against neuropathy. Patients
with existing neuropathy may experience improvement
in symptoms with GLA supplementation.
Dosage: Supplement the diet with 2 grams of borage
oil daily or 4 grams of evening primrose oil.
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Immune function
Recent research suggests that ALA can regulate immune
response and may play a beneficial role in the clinical
management of auto-immune disease. GLA may also modulate
or regulate immune function.
Dosage: Add 30 grams of milled flax seed daily to
your diet. Flax seed may be added to breads, salads,
cereals, and other foods.
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 Premenstrual
syndrome
Women have long used GLA to help combat the symptoms
of premenstrual syndrome. Research has shown that women
who are deficient in GLA are more likely to experience
premenstrual breast pain. GLA deficiency may also be
responsible for other PMS symptoms such as depression,
irritability, fluid retention and overall body sensitivity.
Dosage: Women with PMS may take 2 to 4 grams of
borage oil daily or 4 to 6 grams of evening primrose
oil.
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