Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation
Improves Skin Texture Plus Enhances Overall Health Status
by Dr. James Meschino, D.C., M.S.
Introduction
An increasing number of holistic practitioners recommend essential fatty acid supplementation to their patients
as means to enhance their overall health status or as part of the complementary treatment for various health
conditions. For example, many health practitioners recommend essential fatty acid supplementation for the
prevention of heart disease and cancer. With respect to the prevention of heart disease, studies suggest that
omega-3 fats (from fish and flaxseed oil) serve as precursors to the formation of the type of prostaglandin
hormones (PG-3) that dilate blood vessels, reduce inflammation of the arterial wall and inhibit abnormal platelet
coagulation, all of which are associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular events. Cancer studies also
show that the prostaglandin hormones made from omega-3 fats reduce the rate of cellular proliferation, which in
turn, reduces the chances of genetic mutations and the development of some cancers. As well, supplementation with
essential oils that contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and/or omega-3 fats have been shown to be useful in the
management of arthritis and inflammatory conditions, diabetic neuropathy, eczema, psoriasis, PMS, fibrocystic
breast disease, menopausal symptoms, attention deficit disorder, and other conditions.
Prostaglandin Series 2 (PG-2) The Undesirable Prostaglandins
Within epidermal cells PG-2 is formed from the unsaturated fat known as arachidonic acid, which is found in rich
concentrations in high fat meats and high fat dairy products. As well, the over-consumption of linoleic acid (an
unsaturated fat found in corn oil, sunflower seed oil and safflower seed oil, and mixed vegetable oils) encourages
the conversion of linoleic acid to arachidonic acid by the body, adding to the cell membrane concentrations of
arachidonic acid. Higher cell membrane concentrations of arachidonic acid, from the over-consumption of these
foods, tends to favor the synthesis of PG-2, contributing to poor skin texture and appearance. Unfortunately, the
typical North American diet is a rich source of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, and thus, most individuals
produce too much PG-2 in their epidermal cells, which results in skin texture and appearance that is much less
smooth and soft than is attainable, and contributes to a host of poor complexion problems and aggravates skin
problems such as eczema and psoriasis. (2,4) Experimental studies also show that skin cells that exhibit a high
concentration of arachidonic acid are more prone to undergoing cancerous and inflammatory changes upon exposure to
ultra-violet light than are skin cells that have higher concentrations of omega-3 fats. This appears to be due to
the fact that the conversion of arachidonic acid to PG-2 produces an effect whereby skin cells divide at a much
faster rate, which makes them more prone to cancerous mutations and inflammatory responses. Conversely, omega-3
fats, from flaxseed oil and fish oil, have been shown to slow the division rate of skin cells via their effects on
promoting the formation of PG-3 which, in turn, reduces the incidence of mutations and inflammatory response by
skin cells even when exposed to ultra-violet light. Thus, omega-3 fat supplementation is not only an important
intervention to improve skin texture, but may help guard against the development of skin cancer and slow skin
aging. (5)
Prostaglandin Series 1 (PG-1)
In contrast to the deleterious effects of PG-2 on the skin, prostaglandin series 1 (PG-1) and prostaglandin
series 3 (PG-3) make the skin soft, smooth, silky and moist. The key building block for PG-1 is an unsaturated fat
known as GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which is found in high concentrations in borage oil (22% yield, whereas
evening primrose oil is only a 9% yield). GLA can also be formed in the body from linoleic acid, but individuals
with certain conditions (diabetes, eczema) have been shown to have a defect in the enzyme that converts linoleic
acid to GLA (delta-6 desaturase enzyme). As well, the consumption of alcohol, refined sugars, and hydrogenated fats
tend to inhibit the conversion of linoleic acid to GLA. The aging process itself also slows the conversion of
linoleic acid to GLA as the delta-6 desaturase enzyme becomes more sluggish. As such, most, if not all, individuals
have sub-optimal cell membrane concentrations of GLA, and thus, GLA supplementation (e.g. borage oil) has been
shown to improve skin texture and various skin conditions (eczema) in human studies via its conversion to PG-1
within epidermal cells. (2,6,7,8,9) Also note that the commonly seen sub-optimal intake of Vitamin B6, zinc and
magnesium slows the conversion of linoleic acid to GLA, as these nutrients act as co-enzymes in this biochemical
reaction. (2,3)
Prostaglandin Series 3 (PG-3)
PG-3 also makes the skin very smooth, soft, silky and moist. PG-3 is formed from the omega-3 unsaturated fat
known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which is found in cold-water marine fish such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies,
sardines, and tuna, and supplements containing EPA. The body can also convert the omega-3 unsaturated fat ALA
(alpha-linolenic acid) into EPA, increasing the production of PG-3. ALA is found in rich concentrations in flaxseed
oil (58% yield). Thus, supplementation with flaxseed oil and/or a high-yield fish oil have been shown to
significantly increase production of PG-3, improving skin texture and appearance, as well as certain skin
conditions (psoriasis and eczema). Fish oil also contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which the body can convert
into EPA and thus, PG-3, if required. DHA is also used to promote the development and function of the brain and is
required for vision. (2,3,10,11,12)
PG-3 is considered to be very important for total body wellness as it also reduces risk of heart attacks by
dilating blood vessels and reducing abnormal blood clotting. PG-3 has been shown to reduce cancer risk by slowing
down the cell division rates (more rapid cell division leads to increased genetic mutations and thus, increased
formation of cancer cells, with less time for DNA repair enzymes to correct the mistakes). (2) This has also been
shown to be true with respect to skin cancer in experimental studies, whereby higher PG-2 levels in skin cells
produced a significantly higher yield of cancer development upon exposure to ultra-violet light. PG-3 is also known
to reduce inflammation (including skin inflammatory responses), a role it shares with PG-1. (5) Thus,
supplementation with borage oil, flaxseed oil and a high-yield fish oil (30% EPA/20% DHA) is not only beneficial to
improve skin texture and appearance, and to treat certain skin conditions, but it is also of value in the global
prevention of heart and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and in the management of inflammatory conditions such as
arthritis, Crohn's disease, colitis, diabetic neuropathies, skin inflammatory conditions, etc. (2)
Vitamins and Minerals As Co-Factors For Prostaglandin Synthesis
It should be noted that certain vitamins and minerals are required as co-factors in the enzymatic reactions that
allow skin cells to convert essential oils (flaxseed, borage and fish oils) into PG-1 and PG-3. For example, the
conversion of ALA to EPA requires optimal nutritional status of Vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium, and niacin (Vitamin
B3), as coenzymes. As well, the synthesis of PG-1 and PG-3 also requires optimal intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin E,
and selenium. These antioxidants affect the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is the final enzyme in the conversion of
essential fats to PG-1 and PG-3.
Also note that supplementation with omega-3 fats (ALA, EPA and DHA) also inhibits the conversion of GLA to
arachidonic acid by inhibiting the delta-5 desaturase enzyme. Thus, ALA, EPA and DHA not only increase the
synthesis of PG-3, but they help to inhibit the cell membrane build up of arachidonic acid, and thus, PG-2
synthesis. (2,3)
Summary and Conclusion
Clinical and investigative studies now confirm that supplementation with a combination of flaxseed, borage and
fish oils, at the correct dosages, is an important step to improving skin texture, complexion and the treatment of
certain skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis, some cases of acne), due to their effects on promoting the synthesis of
prostaglandin series-1 and prostaglandin series-3 within developing skin cells. As well, higher skin cell
concentrations of omega-3 fats (from fish and flaxseed oil) may offer additional protection against ultra-violet
light-induced skin cancer and photo-aging of the skin, according to emerging experimental data. Thus, essential
fatty acid supplementation represents an important component of lifelong skin care management. Health care
professionals should keep in mind that optimal doses of certain vitamins and minerals are required to facilitate
the efficient conversion of GLA (from borage oil) to PG-1 and ALA and EPA (from flaxseed and fish oil,
respectively) to PG-3. Here is a practical guide to help translate this information into a step-by-step daily
formula for your patients regarding the effective use of essential fatty acid supplementation, regardless of what
health or skin condition is the primary target of this intervention.
1. To reduce the buildup of arachidonic acid (and thus PG-2 synthesis), avoid or restrict the intake of high fat
meat and high fat dairy products (chicken, turkey and fish are good alternatives as well as non-fat milk and
yogurt, and cheeses that are less than 4% milk fat). Substitute olive oil, canola oil and peanut oil in place of
corn oil, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil and mixed vegetable oils, for salad dressings, stir-fries and to
sauté vegetables. Consume alcohol in moderation, if at all, and reduce intake of refined sugars and hydrogenated
fats.
2. To enhance the production of PG-1 and PG-3 (which improve the softness and smoothness of the skin and help
alleviate certain skin conditions), supplement the diet with an all-in-one essential fatty acid supplement
providing 400 mg each of flaxseed, borage and fish oils (1,200 mg capsule). For best results take 2-3 capsules per
day. The fish oil should yield 30% EPA and 20% DHA content. Patients should also be encouraged to eat more
fish.
3. To facilitate the conversion of essential fats to PG-1 and PG-3, a high potency multi-vitamin formula should be
taken that provides the following daily dosages: Vitamin C-1,000 mg; Vitamin E-400 IU (all natural);
Beta-carotene-10,000 IU; Selenium-100 mcg; Zinc-15 mg; Vitamin A-2,500 IU, and a B-50 complex (as well as all other
vitamins and minerals from Vitamin A to Zinc).
References
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