Atopic Disorders Are on the Rise

by Carolyn Pierini, CLS (ASCP), CNC

The prevalence of atopic disorders (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 by 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 black currant seed oil (BCSO), a source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Black currant 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 BCSO has been shown to perform better than other sources of EFAs 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 constituents of membrane phospholipids including the mitochondrial 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.