Abstract

Nutritional therapy with essential fatty acids, supplemented by vitamin and mineral co-factors, is being found therapeutically effective in the treatment of many common diseases. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important as structural elements in the body and as precursors of prostaglandins (PGs). cis-Linoleic acid, the commonest EFA in the diet in humans, is converted to PGE1 by three steps - the formation of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and of PGE1 itself. PGE1 has a range of key functions in the body: as a vasodilator and inhibitor of thrombosis; as a controller of blood pressure; as a regulator of immune system; and, as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent; as a regulator of brain function; and, as a defence against the abnormal cell proliferation of cancer. Key co-factors required for conversion of linoleic acid to PGE1 include zinc, magnesium, pyridoxine, niacin and vitamin C. Many effects of zinc and vitamin C, in particular, seem to depend on their effects on PGE1 formation. There is increasing evidence that in many who follow a Western lifestyle the production of PGE1 is inadequate, leading to a variety of pathological states. Apart from possible deficiencies of co-factors, the crucial difficulties lie in the conversion of linoleic acid to GLA. Many factors block this step. They include saturated fats, "hardened" and processed vegetable oils, ageing, diabetes, alcohol, viral infections, radiation and cancer. There is very little GLA in the diet and the only substantial source of DGLA is human milk. Thus, blockade of GLA formation will usually lead to PGE1 deficiency. GLA is found in evening primrose oil which is currently being intensively tested as a particularly valuable source of EFAs. This oil has been found to lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, inhibit thrombosis, control arthritis and other forms of inflammation, treat eczema, be of particular value in hyperactivity in children, and in alcoholism. The essential fatty acids and their associated co-factors seem likely to be destined to play a crucial role in approaches to disease which emphasise nutrition.