BMJ Borage Oil Study Questioned

BMJ Borage Oil Study Questioned

SASKATOON, SaskatchewanGamma-linoleic acid (GLA) and GLA-rich oils,including evening primrose and borage oils, have been shown to improve atopiceczema in numerous studies. However, in a recent study, researchers found borageoil ineffective at improving eczema in children and adults. The study waspublished in the Dec. 13, 2003, issue of the British Medical Journal (327,7428:1385-0, 2003) (http://bmj.bmjjournals.com).According to Rakesh Kapoor, Ph.D., director of science and technology atBioriginal Food & Science Corp., manufacturer of evening primrose and borageoil, several design limitations were found that may have affected the results.Kapoor responded to the study by letter, which is published in the journal; hisfull response can be viewed at http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/
eletters/327/7428/1385#46941.

First, the study used two separate placebos, one being olive oil, which canmodify a persons cellular fatty acid profile, possibly making the placebogroup show beneficial results. Also, the study did not mention how compliancewas monitored. For example, blood/tissue levels of GLA or metabolites were notmeasured. Without this data, it is difficult to know if the study protocolwas followed, which can lead to the treatment being less effective, accordingto Bioriginal. The third limitation of the study was that it includeddata from patients who did not complete the trial, which also skews the results.And lastly, the variance in monitoring and evaluating subjects by differentinvestigators may be relatively high, further skewing the results and possiblynegating the effectiveness of GLA, according to Bioriginal.

For more information, visit www.bioriginal.comor Booth #1467 at SupplySide East.