Bio-Fish Oil

Bio-Fish Oil Q&A

What is Bio-Fish Oil 1000mg?

Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which are vital for the normal functioning of the body belong to several different chemical families. Fish oils contain approximately 50 different fatty acids and are the main source of omega 3 essential PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). The fat found in fish contains omega 3 PUFAs, which differ from omega 6 PUFAs which are found in vegetable oils.

The habitat in which the fish grow has a major influence on their fatty acid levels. Fish get omega 3 PUFAs from eating plankton which in turn contain more omega 3 PUFAs the colder the sea water. Therefore cold water fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel have the highest levels of omega 3 PUFAs. Farmed fish contain lower levels.

How does Bio-Fish Oil work?

Omega 3 PUFAs in fish oil reduce the ‘stickiness’ of blood thereby inhibiting the formation of blood clots. They have a vasodilatory effect on blood vessels (reducing blood pressure) and reduce blood triglyceride (fat) levels.

Omega 3 PUFAs are important to normal immune system response and can also suppress the production of inflammatory substances. They are also required for the normal development and function of the brain. A deficiency in omega 3 PUFAs can result in learning difficulties.

What do you take Bio-Fish Oil for?

As well as being a supplement beneficial to general well being, Bio-Fish Oil has a role to play in numerous health disorders. As Omega 3 PUFAs reduce fat levels within the blood people with or at risk from cardiovascular disease may benefit from supplementation. People with inflammatory and autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and eczema for example, may also find relief from taking additional supplementation of Omega 3 PUFAs.

How much should you take?

Pharma Nord recommends 1-3 capsules per day.

Which is the best form to take?

For a good level of omega-3 fatty acids rich in EPA and DHA, and for those people who do not wish to take a supplement contained in animal gelatine capsule, Bio-Fish Oil is an excellent choice of product. Bio-Fish Oil is also screened to remove heavy metals, pesticides and industrial toxins.

Are there any contra-indications?

Fish oil is generally well tolerated with rare reports of gastrointestinal disturbance in susceptible individuals. There are no reports of serious adverse effects. People taking anti-coagulant medications such as aspirin and warfarin should take fish oil products with caution as Omega 3 PUFAs may inhibit blood clotting.

Pregnant and lactating women and those on medication should seek professional advice prior to taking nutritional supplements.

Pharma Nord (UK) Ltd, Telford Court, Morpeth, NE61 2DBTel: 0800 591 756 Fax: 01670 534903

Fish Oil v Krill OilKrill Oil is now being offered as an omega-3 supplement, with manufacturers claiming that it offers a better alternative to the fish oil we have been trusting for decades. This is not the case in terms of the science or value for money.

Pharma NordBio-Fish Oil™ 80 caps

(Fish Oil)

Cleanmarine® 60 caps(Krill Oil)

Holland & Barrett 60 caps(Krill Oil)

EPA and DHA fatty acids 180mg EPA/120mg DHA(1000mg capsule)

60mg EPA/27mg DHA(500mg capsule)

120mg EPA/60mg DHA(1500mg capsule)

% of EPA and DHA per capsule 30% 17.4% 12%

Same EPA:DHA as fresh fish Yes No No

Screened for toxins Yes No No

Raw material Flesh of oily fish (not the liver)

Whole krill (including shells)

Whole krill (including shells)

Sustainable source IFFO (www.iffo.net) approved MSC approved Not available

Same chemical form as fresh fish Yes (Triglyceride form)

No (Phospholipid form)

No (Phospholipid form)

Cost per capsule (based on RRP) 9p 36p 50p

Flavoured Natural Lemon No No

Pharmaceutical standards Yes No No

Suitable for shellfish allergy sufferers Yes No No

Kosher approved fish gelatine capsules Yes No No

1800

6

What evidence is there for efficacy and safety*?

Number of clinical trials conducted on fish oil preparations

Number of clinical trials conducted on krill oil preparations

*Based on data held on MedLine - US National Library of Medicine

Key selling points. Quality Fish Oil - Accept NO substitutes.

9 1000mg of pure filtered fish oil. 9 The optimal balance of omega-3 fatty acids. 9 Completely fish derived - fish gelatine capsules. 9 No fishy taste! Natural lemon flavour! 9 Excellent value for money.

Bio-Fish Oil™ from Pharma Nord is an award winning preparation and superior to the cheaper high street fish oil brands. Based on this analysis, krill oil cannot match fish oil for scientific data or EPA/DHA content.

Bio-Fish Oil™ is 4 times cheaper and contains more

than 3 times the amount of EPA/DHA than Cleanmarine®

krill oil!

substitutes.

Bio-Fish Oil™ from Pharma Nord is an award winning preparation and superior to the cheaper high street fish oil for scientific data or EPA/DHA content.

Research indicates that correcting omega-3 balance may help:

9 Optimise brain function.

9 Improve cognition, intelligence and learning ability.

9 Lift mood behaviour and temperament.

9 Relieve depression and reduce aggressive or disruptive behaviour.

9 Improve vision and eye/brain co-ordination.

9 Protect cardiovascular system- lower damaged blood-fats, reduce blood clotting to safeguard against heart attacks and strokes. Keep blood ‘thin’ and help lower high blood pressure.

9 Optimise immune function to protect against infection.

9 Regulate steroid and hormone function.

9 Regulate nerve transmission.

9 Improve skin quality – improve dry skin, eczema and psoriasis.

9 Maintain integrity of the digestive tract (Crohns; leaky gut syndrome).

9 Enhance membrane function in every body system.

9 Improve energy production. Relieve tiredness.

9 Regulate cell division. Promote healthy growth in children.

9 Improve weight management by pepping energy production. The body would not send precious EFAs into storage in fat cells.

9 Regulate response to pain, inflammation and swelling. (arthritis, rheumatism)

9 Involved in kidney function and fluid balance.

9 Improve liver function and detoxification.

9 Regulate muscle contractions of the intestines and uterus.

Why are omega-3 fatty acids so important?Omega-3 has been subject to over 12,500 studies covering a vast array of health issues from heart health, bones and joint age-related dementia. Below is a list demonstrating how effective this fatty acid is when it comes to maintaining good health.

Turn over and find out why Bio-Fish Oil™ is a much superior product to Krill Oil...

Bio-Fish Oil™ ‘nets’ top product awardReaders of popular health magazine Natural Lifestyle have voted Pharma Nord’s Bio-Fish Oil™ as their favourite supplement of 2012.

Overwhelming resultThe annual Natural Lifestyle product awards is the opportunity for consumers who care about preventative nutrition to reveal which supplements they can’t do without. This year’s result was overwhelming, with Bio-Fish Oil™ scooping 61% of the vote.

Award-winning companyPharma Nord is no stranger to accolades. Their BioActive Q10® Ubiquinol and Omega 7® Sea Buckthorn Oil have been winners in 2010 and 2011. This success is due to a number of key qualities, including the company’s commitment to ongoing research, documented quality of raw materials and dedicated customer service.

Take the natural optionExpert nutritionist Babi Chana BSc Nut Med explains that not all fish oil is the same. “Some fish oil products sold in jars or bottles can be damaged by light, heat and air. Rancid oil is not going to give the same benefits. Those products claiming elevated levels of specific fatty acids, such as EPA or DHA, may often be heat treated or have their chemical structure altered, which can impair absorption. Stick to natural, high grade supplements like Bio-Fish Oil™. It seems that when choosing your fish oil, the message is ‘quality counts’ and Pharma Nord’s awards success proves it.”

Bent Henriksen OBE, Pharma Nord’s Managing Director, was delighted with the result.

“We are proud of Bio-Fish Oil™. It’s the perfect way for the family to get the same balance of omega-3

fatty acids as found in fresh fish, without any artificial enhancements. We even use fish gelatine capsules. Customers tell us they love the lemon flavour, and many choose to chew them! We work hard to ensure the product is natural and documented as safe, so families and doctors can trust it.”

Pharma Nord (UK) Ltd,Telford CourtMorpethNE61 2DB

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been using the Pharma Nord Children’s BIOmega-3

Kids Fish Oil capsules since almost 2-3 years. My kids

really enjoy taking them first thing in the morning with their

daily breakfast. The capsules really help in keeping their

concentration levels high at school/home.

As a parent we have to ensure the caspules we purchase

are very good in terms of quality/reviews.

The Pharma Nord (BIOmega-3) Kids are excellent and I will

ensure I carry on giving these to my children and recommend

to my friends and family.

Many Thanks

Mr. S. Shafiq

16-3-13

Don’t forget we also have BIOmega-3 Kids!

Bio-Fish Oil

NAME AND PACKAGE

The name of the preparation is Bio-Fish Oil. It is sold as

capsules packed in blister packs, in boxes of 80 and

160.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Declared content per capsule:

Fish Oil (30 TGF) 1000 mg

Of which:

EPA 180mg (± 10%)

DHA 120mg (± 10%)

COMPONENT SUBSTANCES

Fish Gelatine

Glycerol

Purified water

Lemon flavour (in oil and capsule shell)

QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

The raw materials comply with government regulations

in the EC and Scandinavia. Testing ensures that the raw

materials are in accordance with their certificates of

analysis.

The capsules are produced under pharmaceutical

control.

SHELF LIFE

Minimum 2 years.

PACK SIZE

80 and 160 capsules.

THE PREPARATION

The preparation is a clear soft gelatine capsule with

yellow oil.

The average weight is 1350mg with a maximum

deviation of ±7.5%.

The capsules are packed in a transparent plastic blister

pack with an aluminium membrane approved for use

with food.

All blister packs are batch numbered and the boxes are

date stamped in accordance with current regulations.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

People who take anti-coagulant medications should

consult their Doctor before taking Fish Oil products.

Caution should be taken by those with diabetes.

Pregnant or lactating women and those on medication

should consult a doctor before using any product.

STORAGE

Product to be stored at room temperature.

USAGE

Adults: 3 capsules per day, or as directed by a

physician.

Children: 4 years and above: 1-2 capsules per day, or as

directed by a physician.

Not suitable for vegetarians.

PRODUCT RIGHTS

The rights to this product belong to:

Pharma Nord ApS, Denmark.

Pharma Nord (UK) Ltd, Telford Court, Morpeth, NE61 2DB

Tel: 0800 591 756 Fax: 01670 534903

oday, modern society is afflicted with an epidemic of common disease patterns. Cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity,

diabetes, rheumatic/inflammatory/respiratory diseases and brain and behavioural problems are increasingly prevalent. Orthodox medicine has achieved much to conquer germ diseases that were previously a major cause of death, but Western populations are now suffering poor health due to diet-related illnesses, that are worsened by industrialisation. Experts of the World Health Organisation (WHO) have expressed their concern over the potential perils of inadequate attention to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, particularly in developed countries, where, according to WHO such diseases are preventable and account for 75% of all deaths. A report dated 3 March 2003 commissioned by WHO and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) concluded that the burden of chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and obesity is increasing worldwide. In 2001, chronic diseases contributed approximately 60% of the 56.5 million deaths in the world and 46% of the global burden of disease. ‘This Expert Report is highly significant because it contains the best currently available scientific evidence on the relationship of diet, nutrition and physical activity to chronic diseases, based on the collective judgement of a group of experts with a global perspective’. The burden to our health and economy is staggering. So what’s happening? Over four-and-a-half million years nature has evolved from its bounty,

the mechanisms to sustain the continuation of life. It is truly a feat to be marvelled at and one we should pause to respect. Our entire body systems take food, water, air and light and use them as tools to build and maintain ourselves. Remarkable- you really ARE what you eat! Just as a carpenter needs hammers, nails, wood etc. we need vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats and natural nutrients as tools to promote optimum health. Unfortunately today, modern Man is living in a polluted environment -full of chemicals that he has not evolved to deal with and is eating a diet that is increasingly depleted of vital health-promoting nutrients. Food processing techniques, modern farming methods, cooking and storing methods are stripping quality nutrients out of our foods and to add insult to injury, harmful chemicals are added instead. Double - trouble. Eating out of boxes and packets and nesting in pollutants is the primary cause of death and disease today. Coupled with TVs and computers, the lack of exercise is worsening the problem resulting from the empty calories in those boxes and packets. In a nutshell, we are taxing our bodies to cope in an environment far different to that we have evolved mechanisms to thrive in. Today’s planet is worlds apart from that of our ancestors. A primitive diet and a clean environment is what we must revert to, in order to prevent the diseases that are now killing us. Fresh fish, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits and legumes, wild game and a host of natural foods plucked from trees or pulled from the earth are now replaced by cola, fried battery chicken

How Omega -3 fatty acids can improve your well-being.

Babi Chana BSc (Hons.) Nutritional MedicineBased in Bristol, Babi is both a biochemist and a BANT accredited nutritionist. She has endorsed Pharma Nord products for many years, having had personal experience of their benefits. She is considered to be an expert on omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics and has spent over 20 years working with community healthcare, health food shops and consumers. Babi lectures, trains and writes, giving advice on lifestyle, diet and nutrition.

T

and chips dripping in hazardous extracted oils. Primitive man did not eat processed margarines and pressed oils. He derived nutritious oils from plant and marine origin, also rich in vital minerals and vitamins. As whole-foods are refined nutrients are lost, but at the same time consumption of pesticides, herbicides, toxins and chemical additives increase. The body is expected to cope with increasing loads of toxic burdens, but not have the vital nutrient tools it needs to do its job. Our bodies are hampered and damaged by alien chemicals and deteriorate without nourishment, thus leading to cancer and degenerative conditions. Our children will pay the heaviest price if food quality continues to decline.

Having established that health degenerates from a lack of essential nutrients, a significant factor contributing to widespread disease patterns is the deficiency of a group of essential fats. These fats are termed essential because the body is unable to make them for itself and thus has an absolute requirement for them to be provided in the diet. These ‘good’ fats are called omega-3 essential fatty acids (commonly understood as fish oils) and omega-6 essential fatty acids (e.g. evening primrose oil). 95% of the population are lacking the good fats that keep us healthy. Despite the bad press that fats have received, fat-phobias and the popularity of low-fat diets, obesity has doubled since the 80’s. In fact almost half the population is overweight! There are now concerns that obesity will overtake smoking as a cause of premature death. This however, is the result of over-consumption of processed carbohydrates and bad fats –those that we know as saturated, animal, supermarket margarines and oils that are NOT essential to the body. Packaged and fast-foods generally contain high levels of these unhealthy fats. On the other hand, consumption of nuts, seeds and fish, rich in healthy omega -3’s and 6’s is far from adequate and deficiency abounds. This has clear, detrimental consequences. On the one hand we are over-fed, but at the same time we are under-nourished!

FAT FACTS:

• Fats are an important class of nutrient.• Fats are composed of a ‘head’ (glycerol

molecule) with three ‘tails’ attached to it.• These tails are called fatty acids.• A huge variety of fatty acids occur in nature-

long, short, bendy or straight.• The three tails can be any combination of

fatty acids and form various triglycerides.• Natural fats such as butter, lard, fish, nut and

seed oils contain mixtures of triglycerides.• In this way, certain foods are rich in some fatty

acids but only have small amounts of others.

NATURAL FATTY ACIDS:

• Saturated fatty acids (SFAs).Solid at room temperature and found in meat, dairy and processed foods. They are straight molecules.

• Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) occur in both animal fats and plant oils (e.g. olive oil). They have one bend (double bond) in their molecule.

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are found in nuts, seeds and fish oils. They have two or more bends and are more curved in shape.

• Highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) are predominantly found in oily fish and have multiple bends making them ‘kinky’.

• The degree of saturation relates to the number of double bonds in the molecule.

MANUFACTURED FATTY ACIDS:

• Trans- fatty acids are altered plant oils, ‘hydrogenated’ to become hard, spreadable products. This processing technique changes naturally bendy fatty acids into artificially straighter types.

• WARNING: Margarines claiming health benefits of being ‘rich in polyunsaturates’ actually contain trans fats which are totally different to natural PUFAs.

• The dangers of eating trans-fats are that they compete with healthy fats and take up positions in cell membranes and block

biochemical locks. Once there, they impair various normal cell functions.

• Trans-fats increase the risk of heart-disease, which is often the reason why people change from eating butter!

• Trans-fats are also ‘hidden’ in processed, packaged foods (cakes, biscuits, pies etc) and in deep-fried foods, in which the fats become damaged at high temperatures. Intake of these foods should be avoided or kept to a minimum.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS: • Saturated fatty acids are straight. They have

no double bonds.• Natural unsaturated fatty acids exist in the

cis- form, which means that their hydrogens are on the same side wherever a double bond occurs. As the hydrogens repel, the molecule bends into a curved shape and becomes more curved with increasing double bonds. Brain fats like DHA have six double bonds and take up considerable space in membranes. This confers fluidity and flexibility to the membrane structure which is critical to cell function.

• Processed unsaturated fatty acids occur in the trans- form, which means that the hydrogens flip to opposite sides of the double bond. This makes the fatty acid straighter and solid just like saturated fats. These pack more densely into membranes and confer rigidity that is detrimental to normal cell function.

• Imagine healthy fish oil membranes like the queens soldiers playing ring-a-roses, compared to French-fry membranes packed like sardines in a tin!

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS:

• These are termed essential since the body is unable to make them for itself and has an absolute requirement for them to be provided in the diet. They have a multitude of important, essential physiological roles.

• EFAs are PUFAs and HUFAs. There are two types of EFAs-

• Omega 3s are found in fish oils and flax seeds (linseed). Oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel herring and tuna contain higher levels than white fish such as cod.

• Omega 6s are found in most nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, such as sunflower and corn oil.

BALANCE IS BEST:

• Some fats are good for health; others are detrimental. The type of fats we consume can have a very major impact on our lives. Unfortunately, the modern Western diet contains too many bad fats and not enough good ones. ‘Primitive’ nuts, seeds and fish are now replaced with processed junk food. Saturated and trans- fats abound.

• The ratio or balance of essential fatty acids- omega 3 and omega 6 is vital. Both are important, BUT-

• The British pre-war diet was deficient in both omega 3 and 6, due to the predominant consumption of animal fats such as lard and dripping.

• During the post-war period, omega 6 consumption has soared as more refined oils and processed foods containing high quantities of omega 6 have been unleashed upon us.

• At the same time, intake of omega 3s has declined due to their relative unavailability. Only oily fish and flax seeds contain significant amounts. Other sources like hemp, pumpkin or rapeseeds or oils contain lesser amounts. Clearly, foods containing omega 3s are NOT COMMONLY CONSUMED and are indeed scarce in foods.

OMEGA – 3 DEFICIENCY:

• Today’s Western diet provides excess omega 6 and is deficient in omega 3.

• Expert opinion varies with respect to ideal ratios of omega 3: omega 6 (1:1/2/3?). In any event, however, most authorities agree that the overall imbalance is unhealthily skewed to the order of 10, 20 even 30 times more omega 6 to omega 3.

• IT IS VITAL TO INCREASE INTAKE OF OMEGA 3s in order to restore a healthy balance.

THE BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS:

• Once eaten and absorbed, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids go through stages of conversions. They are elongated and desaturated (more double bonds are added).

• Firstly, EFAs are incorporated into cell membranes that ‘fence’ or form a boundary around every cell and also compartmentalise internal cell structures. Nearly all life processes occur along biological membranes. Transfer of nutrients into and release of toxins out, energy production, and a host of signals lock into specific membrane sites- just like locks and keys involving enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, electrical nerve impulses etc. All control communication and function of the cell to the rest of the body. Ideal membrane fluidity maximizes all cell functions.

• Remember bendy, long EFAs take up lots of space. They line up to form membranes like the queens soldiers playing ring-a-roses. ‘Spaced out’ essential fatty acids make membranes more flexible and fluid, thus promote healthy function. Remember that unsaturated fatty acids are liquid OILS even at low temperatures.

• Without sufficient omega-3s, membranes substitute available omega-6s, monounsaturated or worse still, straight, saturated and trans fats. These take up less space and pack up densely like sardines in a tin. They form inflexible, rigid membranes that diminish cell function and are detrimental to health. Remember saturated and trans fatty acids make HARD FATS.

SMART FATS:

• The brain is composed of over 60% fats! Over one-third of these are EFAs, particularly the longer chain omega-3 HUFAs found in fish oils are concentrated in the brain,

hence the old wives tail ‘fish is good for the brain’. These fish oils are further classified as eicosapentanoic acid (EPA: 5 double bonds) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA: 6 double bonds). It is imperative for brain function to provide an equal balance of omega-3 and 6.

• WARNING: Developing and growing babies have especially high requirements for EFAs. Children of today’s ‘French-fry generation’ are gravely undernourished with EFAs and have ‘heads full of noxious fats’. Brain and behavioural problems escalate out of control and ADHD, autism, dyslexia, hyperactivity, Aspergers etc. are now ‘household names’. Depression and violence are similarly on the increase. In Japan, consumption of omega-3s and intelligence is high, whereas rates of depression remain amongst the lowest in the World.

• OPTIMAL INTAKE OF OMEGA-3s is IMPERATIVE.

• Secondly - The reason why EFAs are so important is that they are required in the body as BUILDING BLOCKS or PRECURSORS to a very large, complex group of active substances. These mediate a multitude of vital functions that affect cells, tissues and organs throughout the entire body.

PATHWAYS TO HEALTH:

• EFAs are converted to extensive groups of messenger molecules called eicosanoids (prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes). Think of omega-3 as a grandfather and omega-6 as a grandmother that have children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Their offspring or generations must be in balance, so that males and females remain in an equal ratio. Also each child must have equal numbers of grandchildren, so that one family line does not remain stunted. In other words, lack of omega-3s will result in omega-6 grandchildren growing wild, and there would be a lack of omega-3 grandchildren. Disruption would thus turn ‘tandem’ into ‘tantrum’!

• These messenger molecules are known as

prostaglandins (PG).• Omega-6 is elongated and desaturated into

PGE1 and PGE2.• PGE1 has anti-inflammatory and immune-

enhancing properties.• PGE2 (leukotrienes) are highly inflammatory

substances. They can cause swelling and pain. PGE2 (thromboxanes) cause blood vessels to constrict and blood cells to clump together and thicken to form clots. Thrombosis is clearly a risk of too much omega-6 leading to strokes and heart disease. Heart disease has escalated since the dawning of margarines.

• Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 derivative, is also found in red meat and is pro-inflammatory.

• COX 1 and COX 2 (cyclooxygenase inhibitors e.g. aspirin and NSAIDs ) block the conversion of 0mega-6s into these highly inflammatory and blood clotting factors. If omega-3 dietary balance was corrected, one could ligate excess production of inflammatory prostaglandins without the side effects of drug-intervention.

Omega-3 is converted to PGE3.

These are anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing. They improve blood flow by preventing platelet- aggregation that makes blood thick and sticky. Omega-3s offer excellent protection against heart disease.

The actions of the prostaglandins are so diverse that the symptoms connected to deficiency or imbalances of EFAs indicate that no part of the body can function without them.

Very few foods contain omega-3 fatty acids and the modern Western diet is loaded with omega-6s. Worse still is the over-consumption of saturated and trans-fats that further hinder the function of the precious omega-3s. Increasing oily fish consumption is an option, but contamination with mercury and other toxins is undesirable. Supplementing quality fish oils rich in EPA and DHA is advisable and flax oil is also an option,

although overall vitamin and mineral intake must be addressed to ensure optimal conversions along the eicosanoid pathway. It may take considerably lengthy periods to correct the body’s omega-3 status.Intake of antioxidants (via coloured fruits and vegetables and/or nutritional supplements) must also be maximised in order to safeguard and protect delicate EFAs from rancidity. HUFAs are particularly easily damaged by free-radicals in light, heat air and metabolism.

HEALTHY SKIN:

Skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis are very common and affect quality of life through pain, sleep disturbances, and social embarrassment. Symptomatic treatment (topical creams/steroids and antihistamine drugs) providing ineffective temporary relief is offered to patients who often continue to suffer a lifetime of misery. The essential fatty acid content of cell membranes is vital to maintain smoothness, suppleness and hydration, thus reducing scaliness. The movement of water and nutrients into and out of the cell relies on the integrity of the cell membrane. Importantly, EFAs regulate inflammation that often exacerbates the condition. EFAs also positively influence immunity which further alleviates secondary infections on broken skin. Clinical trials using evening primrose oil (omega 6 only) show improvement in skin conditions, but recent research clearly points to the importance of the balance of omega 3 and 6 together. Increasing dietary intake of essential fatty acids provides the building blocks of healthy skin from within and provides long term relief by treating the cause rather than the symptoms.