Efamol EPO has a simultaneous, beneficial effect on itch/pruritus, crusting, oedema and redness (erythema) that becomes apparent between 4 and 8 weeks after treatment is initiated. However, the magnitude of this effect is reduced in association with increasing frequency of potent steroid use.

No abstract

This open pilot study investigated effects of a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich supplement on learning ability in a group of 20 dyslexic children in Sweden. Children formally diagnosed as dyslexic took eight capsules per day of a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) supplement containing high-DHA fish oil and evening primrose oil. Subjective assessments by the children and their parents were completed at baseline and 6, 12, and 20 weeks after supplementation. Quantitative evaluation by word-chain test was completed before and after 4 months of supplementation to measure word decoding (speed of reading) and letter decoding (motoric-perceptual speed). Subjective parent and child assessments showed increasing numbers of positive responders over time in reading speed, general schoolwork, and overall perceived benefit. Significant improvements were observed in reading speed and motor-perceptual velocity. Thirteen of 17 children had a significant improvement on the word-chain test (P < .04). Reading speed improved by 60% from 1.76 +/- 0.29 before the study to 2.82 +/- 0.36 after supplementation (P < .01 by Wilcoxon sign test). Motoric-perceptual velocity improved by 23% from a stanine value of 3.76 +/- 0.42 to 4.65 +/- 0.66 after supplementation (P < .05 by Wilcoxon sign test). Thus LC-PUFA supplementation for 5 months provides positive and clear beneficial effect on variables usually impaired by dyslexia.

Efamol Ltd has been one of the leading fatty acid supplement manufacturers for some 30 years. It has a tradition of marketing science and research based. products and with sales in more than 25 countries is one of the few international companies in this field.The market for omega-3 products, fuelled by a succession of positive reports in the media, is currently undergoing a period of significant growth. Recent estimates value the European market for omega-3 based supplements at over US$200 million and the global market at over US$700 million. Growth rates are estimated at 8% per annum with individual markets such as the UK showing growth significantly in excess of that figure.Dividing the marketing of omega-3 oils into either 'business to business' i.e predominantly as a bulk or raw material ingredient or 'business to consumer' i.e. as finished product there are some fundamental differences in the product propositions and key positioning criteria.ln both cases however, somewhat surprisingly, the source of the oil is not important, whether it comes from tuna or bonito, menhaden or mackerel does not really matter and usually is not even disclosed. As a raw material of primary importance is the fatty acid composition specifically in terms of EPA and DHA and a number of fish oil 'categories' have been created and defined by the relative contents of these two fatty acids, e.g:

Over the past 30 years borage (Borago officinalis) has become established as a speciality oilseed crop grown exclusively for its oil, a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), C18 : 3n – 6. GLA is metabolised in the human body from linoleic acid and is itself a precursor in the formation of dihomo‐gammalinolenic acid, arachidonic acid and metabolites of these, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes. The oil is used extensively in the nutritional supplements, cosmetics and pet care industries primarily for its anti‐inflammatory and skin health properties. Global usage is estimated to be approximately 1000 tonnes per year and oil is usually traded on the basis of its GLA content with higher contents attracting a premium commercially. In recent years the development of competitively priced high GLA sources, particularly oils from genetically modified safflower have resulted in an increase in the aduleration of borage oil to raise GLA levels. Analytical and statistical techniques have now been developed to assist authenticating borage oil samples.