Healthy metabolism of essential fatty acids is crucial for proper functioning
of eicosanoids, hormone-like substances which mediate the body's
inflammatory response. Because eicosanoids are involved in the
inflammatory skin reactions commonly seen in dermatitis and psoriasis,
researchers believe that they may hold the key for successful treatment of many skin disorders.1,2

Numerous studies have revealed clinical imbalances of specific essential
fatty acids associated with a variety of skin problems. A common pattern of fatty acid imbalance seen in atopic eczema is elevated linoleic acid,
accompanied by low levels of its highly unsaturated metabolites
dihomogamma linolenic and arachidonic acid.3,4

These metabolites are formed through the action of a crucial enzyme--delta-6-desaturase--and disruption of this enzyme's normal function is theorized to trigger important changes in both the skin's barrier function and inflammatory response.5-7

Hence dry, itchy, scaly skin is a hallmark sign of fatty acid deficiency.
Clinical case-controlled studies investigating the use of fatty acid therapy in skin disorders have shown promising results. Different types of fatty acid therapy have been associated with clinical improvement in atopic
dermatitis, seborrhea, and eczema, with clinical scores linked directly to a
rise in the levels of specific fatty acids.8-12

Many practitioners also use fatty acid therapy as a powerful means of improving skin condition in patients with no overt skin disorders.
Great Smokies' Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids Analysis is a sensitive,
detailed, and comprehensive analysis that can reveal specific fatty acid
imbalances, allowing for precisely targeted intervention and careful
monitoring of therapy.

References:

1 Berbis P, Hesse S, Privat Y. Essential fatty acids and
the skin [French]. Allerg Immunol 1990;22(6):225-231.

2 Ruzicka T. The physiology and pathophysiology of
eicosanoids in the skin. Eicosanoids 1988;1(2):59-72.

3 Lindskov R, Holmer G. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in
plasma, red blood cells and mononuclear cell
phospholipids of patients with atopic dermatitis. Allergy
1992;47(5):517-521.

4 Wright S, Sanders TZ. Adipose tissue essential fatty
acid composition in patients with atopic eczema. Eur J
Clin Nutr 1991;45(10):510-505.

5 Horrobin DF. Fatty acid metabolism in health and
disease: the role of delta-6-desaturase. Am J Clin Nutr
1993;57(5 Suppl):732S-736S.

6 Willemaers V, Stas I, Pierard-Franchimont C, Cornil F,
Pierard GE. Atopic dermatitis [French]. Rev Med Liege
1998;53(2):67-70.

7 Melnik B, Plewig G. Are disturbances of omega-6-fatty
acid metabolism involved in the pathogenesis of atopic
dermatitis? Acta Derm Venereol Suppl 1992;176:77-85.

8 Biagi PL, Bordoni A, Hrelia S, Celadon M, Ricci GP,
Cannella V, Patrizi A, et. al. The effect of
gamma-linolenic acid on clinical status, red cell fatty
acid composition and membrane microviscosity in
infants with atopic dermatitis. Drugs Exp Clin Res
1994;20(2):77-84.

9 Tollesson A, Frithz A, Berg A, Kalrman G. Essential
fatty acids in infantile seborrheic dermatitis. J Am Acad
Dermatol 1993;28(6):957-961.

10 Andreassi M, Forleo P, Di Lorio Z, Masci S, Abate G,
Amerio P. Efficacy of gamma-linolenic acid in the
treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis. J Int Med
Res 1997;25(5):266-274.

11 Schalin-Karrila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT, Uotila P.
Evening primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema:
effect on clinical status, plasma phospholipid fatty acids
and circulating blood prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol
1987;117(1):11-19.

12 Morse PF, Horrobin DF, Manku MS, Stewart JC, Allen
R, et. al. Meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studis of
the efficacy of Epogam in the treatment of atopic
eczema. Relationship between plasma essential fatty
acid changes and clinical response. Br J Dermatol
1989;121(1):75-90.