MYELIN and NERVES

Essential Fatty Acids play a critical role in the development, function and repair of nerves and myelin. Multiple Sclerosis destroys myelin and to a lesser extent the nerves, so EFA are intimately involved in any recovery that may take place.

NORMAL DIET is DEFICIENT

The normal diet often does not contain enough Omega-3 EFA to begin with. Some patients with MS do not have a normal ability to absorb EFA from their intestines and others have trouble converting Alpha-Linoleic Acid, the parent Omega-3 EFA into DHA and EPA These patients may develop a deficiency even with normal or increased intake.

REMISSION REQUIRES REBUILDING MYELIN

Any significant remission requires rebuilding myelin and nerves. This requires large amounts of DHA. It has been shown that many MS patients have low levels of Omega-3 EFA in the blood and their spinal fluid.

PROSTAGLANDINS

Omega-3 EFA are precursors to the Prostaglandin-3 family of chemical regulators. Normal bodily function requires a delicate balance of the three prostaglandin families. Deficiency of Omega-3 EFA can cause a deficiency in PGF-3. This in turn causes an imbalance with too much PGF-1 and PGF-2 activity. This imbalance accounts for many of the symptoms of MS.

BENEFITS of SUPPLEMENTS

Supplementation with EFA, and particularly Omega-3 EFA can decrease most of the symptoms associated with MS, including:
1) Abnormal stickiness of platelets
2) Abnormal immune system activity
3) Abnormal inflammation.

FLAX SEED OIL & FISH OIL

Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil are the best sources of Omega-3 EFA. Flaxseed contains large amounts of Alpha-Linoleic Acid (ALA) and smaller amounts of EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil also contains lignan, protein that helps protect against several form of cancer. Fish Oil contains EPA and DHA, but not ALA. The body needs ALA for some processes and EPA and DHA for others so Flaxseed Oil can be an important supplement.

OTHER NECESSARY CO-FACTORS

EFA supplementation should also include B-vitamin supplementation (especially methylcobalamine), Vitamins C and E, Zinc and Selenium. These co-factors are required for optimal utilization of the EFA supplements.