-Atopic Disorders Are on the Rise ~
-By: Carolyn Pierini, CLS (ASCP),CNC
-Article from: Vitamin Research News/ Feb 2012 -DID YOU KNOW? 
The prevalence of atopic disordrs (which involves a predisposition toward developing certain hypersensitivity reactions),
including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis (i.e. eczema) and the incidence of food allergies/sensitivities is widely considered to be increasing at epidemic rates. This finding is supported by multinational studies and the observation of physicians. The atopic epidemic is being evaluated for likely etiologies such as the model which follows that certain gene expression is altered under certain environmental conditions leading to biochemical changes that promote oxidative stress and the immune response.
Attention to detoxification is one example of a way to support the health of people with hypersensitivity reactions. This can be accomplished with
blackcurrant seed oil (BCSO), a source of gamma-linolenic acid
(GLA). Blackcurrant seed oil is unique in that it not only supplies important GLA but is also a source of other needed essential fatty acids such as linoleic, alpha-linolenic as well as the unique-stearidonic acid, a precursor of the prostaglandin series PGE3. The presence of these additional EFAs in combination with GLA may explain why BCOS has been shown to perform better than other sources of EFSs for conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD). A recent 2010 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial revealed
BCSO's significant success in helping prevent atopic dermatitis in infants who were at an increased risk for developing the condition.
-GLA, via conversion to prostaglandin PGE1, exhibits a balancing effect on inflammation, lipid levels and blood viscosity.
GLA has been found to promote health in a variety of ways, including maintaining healthy skin and other connective tissue and supporting female reproductive health, eye and cognitive health. GLA and other EFAs are important constitutents of membrane phospholipids including the mitochondril membrane, where they enhance the integrity and the fluidity of the membrane.
-GLA is an important omega-6 conditionally essential fatty acid (EFA). GLA formation is dependent on the activity of the delta-6-desaturase enzyme. This enzyme may be hindered by numerous factors, including aging, nutrient deficiency, trans-fatty acids, and exposure to acetaldehyde, which is a pervasive pollutant and a by-product of alcohol consumption and smoking. GLA supplementation can circumvent impaired delta-6 desaturase, thus providing gamma linolenic acid directly.
---
I started taking the Jarrow Formula/ Blackcurrant (From New Zealand) freeze-dried Extract Capsules last week, purchased from Swanson Health Products. (60 veg capsules / $15.37) I am looking forward to eczema/atopic dermatitis and eye strain and dryness relief . Thank you, Russ, for allowing various companies to be mentioned on your website.
Swanson Health Products / <
www.swansonvitamins.com>
