High-dose GLA fails to improve eczema
Borage oil, sold as starflower oil and which has a high content of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), does not provide benefit in atopic dermatitis, new research shows (BMJ 2003;327:1385).
Previous studies investigating the effects of GLA have failed to produce
convincing evidence of any benefit in eczema. One suggested reason for
this has been that the GLA preparations used — usually extracts
of evening primrose oil — were not of high enough strength.
Researchers therefore randomised 151 patients with atopic dermatitis
to receive either borage oil capsules (920mg GLA per day for adults,
half dose for children) or placebo for 12 weeks. Symptoms were assessed
in 140 patients at two, four, eight and 12 weeks. The symptoms and signs
of atopic dermatitis improved to a similar degree in both groups, with
a marginally greater improvement in the placebo group. In addition, subset
analysis did not reveal any difference between placebo and GLA for either
adults or children.
In an accompanying editorial (ibid, p1358), Professor Hywel Williams,
Centre for Evidence-based Dermatology, Queen’s Medical Centre,
Nottingham, writes: “This most recent study, along with the UK’s
Medicines Control Agency’s decision to withdraw the product licence,
suggests that GLA supplementation for atopic dermatitis has had its day.” |
