title: The use of gamma-linolenic acid in diabetic neuropathy.
abstract: EF4 is an entirely new approach to the management of diabetic neuropathy. EF4 (providing gamma-linolenic acid or gamolenic acid, GLA) has been shown to reverse existing diabetic neuropathy in trials in seven centres. Diabetic animals and humans have a reduced ability to convert dietary linoleic acid to GLA. GLA and its metabolites are required for normal neuronal structure and function and a normal microcirculation. The lack of GLA and its metabolites may play a major role in the development of the neuropathy. EF4 helps to correct the biochemical defects, restores levels of GLA metabolites towards normal and produces highly significant clinical and neurophysiological improvements in diabetic neuropathy.
authors.affiliation: Efamol Research Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Horrobin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008042:Linolenic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D008042:Linolenic Acids; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid