sensitivity to salicylates

Salicylates are known to block the formation of substances known as PROSTAGLANDINS (PGs), and it was suggested that we should show our findings to a Canadian research scientist who has done work on PGs.

He pointed out that many of our observations were consistent with the idea that hyperactive children might be deficient in PGs, notably PGE1, which is formed from the Essential Fatty Acid dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA).

Undefined Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are like vitamins in that they cannot be made by the body, but must be taken in via foods.

The polyunsaturate of overwhelming importance in the human diet is LINOLEIC ACID. This is a major active constituent of such vegetable oils as corn oil, sunflower oil and safflower oils - if possible buy these as cold pressed oils.

But linoleic acid, as such, has little biological activity and in order to be of use to the body as an EFA, it must be converted into gamma-linoleic acid (GLA).

Research suggests that some hyperactive children may be unable to form PGE1 because of an inadequate supply of essential fatty acids or of the co-factors necessary for the conversion of essential fatty acids to PGE1 (Prostaglandin E1):

• Zinc
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C

PGE1 is known to be crucial in the control of:

• IMMUNE SYSTEM
• BEHAVIOUR
• KIDNEY FUNCTION
• THIRST
• ASTHMA

The taking of Evening Primrose Oil has been shown to be extremely useful.

- Courtesy of The Hyperactive Support Group