PROPHYLAXIS AND THERAPY OF ATOPIC ECZEMA WITH GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID

With regard to observed metabolic and immunological relations atopic e czema might be considered as a primary congenital immunodeficiency dis order due to an epithelial maturational deficiency caused by decreased levels of 6-desaturated long-chain essential fatty acids. Early postn atal substitution of the deficient tong-chain essential fatty acids du ring the phase of postnatal T-cell maturation might have a preventive effect on the development of the atopic immune system and the manifest ation of atopic dermatitis. This view is supported by the observed ben eficial effect of oral substitution of gammalinolenic acid in children with atopic eczema. Presumably, present-day full-adapted infant formu la lacks essential components for newborns at risk for atopy.