Diabetic neuropathy fatty acids

Evening Primrose Oil (Oenof/iera biennis) Uses PMS, diabetic neuropathy, ADHD, IBS, RA, mastalgia Action Anti-inflammatory, antispas-modic, diuretic, sedative effects related to a high concentration of essential fatty acids esp GLA CLA their conversion into prostaglandins Available forms Caps, gel-caps, Liq dose depends on GLA content DM neuropathy 4000-6000 mg PO OD Eczema 4000 mg PO OD Mastalgia 3000 1000 mg PO -r doses PMS 2000-4000 mg PO OD RA Up to 5000 mg PO OD Notes/SE Indigestion, N, soft stools, flatulence, HA, anorexia, rash Contra Do not use PRG or lactation do not use persons w/ Sz disorders Interactions T Phenobarbital metabolism, i Sz threshold, T effects OF diuretics, sedatives EMS May take up to 4 mo for max effectiveness T risk of Szs... 

In comparison to the n-6 series, much less attention has been paid to the involvement of n-3 fatty acids in diabetic neuropathy, although the beneficial effects offish-oil supplements, a rich source of these fatty acids, in the prevention of atherosclerosis and hypertension in animal models and patients with vascular complications is well known (Lands et al. 1992). Proposals for the mechanisms by which n-3 fatty acids act include serving as precursors of vasoactive prostanoids and acting as shmulants for production of relaxing factors, such as nitric oxide (Lands etal. 1992 Boulanger 1990 McVeigh etal. 1993). 

Honobin DF. The roles of essential fatty acids in the development of diabetic neuropathy and other complications of diabetes mellitus. Prostaglandins Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 1988 44 127-131. 

Borage oil is promoted as a source of essential fatty acids. Marketers claim deficiency of essential fatty acids triggers fluctuations in blood glucose that lead to hunger and weight gain. Other promoted uses include treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, dermatitis, and hypertension. 

Because cholesterol and phospholipid synthesis is likely to be necessary for the maintenance of the integrity of the structural lipoproteins in nervous tissue, especially in the Schwann cells and the oligodendrocytes, and also because cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis is decreased in livers of diabetics, cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis has been measured in the central and peripheral nervous tissue of animals made diabetic with alloxan. The synthesis of both compounds is decreased in diabetic animals in the central but not in the peripheral nervous system. Whether the extension of such studies will someday lead to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy remains to be seen. 

McCarty MF (1998) Nitric oxide deficiency, leukocyte activation, and resultant ischemia are crucial to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy/neuropathy-preventive potential of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, chromium, ginkgolides, and pentoxifylline. Med Hypotheses 50(5) 435 9... 

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