Health First Evening Primrose Oil

Canada's leading independent health and wellness retailers offer a product called Health First® Evening Primrose Oil. The Health First® network is based in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Health First® provides evening primrose oil gel caps in either 500 milligrams or 1000 milligrams with vitamin E added. It is important to consume evening primrose oil in conjunction with vitamin E so the fatty acids don't oxidize. Vitamin E also lengthens shelf life of the product.

Health First Evening Primrose Oil is a supplement extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, properly called Oenothera Biennis. Primarily grown in North America, evening primrose is a wildflower or herb, and its seeds are prized for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. It can be used externally in cosmetic creams, lotions or soaps, or the oil may be taken internally in the form of a dietary supplement. For medicinal value, take the oil internally.

Rich in vitamins and minerals, the seeds of the evening primrose are an ideal source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are necessary for healthy skin, hair, nails and body function. Since the body cannot manufacture its own, GLA must be obtained from the diet. Many believe the high GLA content in evening primrose oil is what gives it unique healing properties. The scientific community has only begun recognizing the health benefits associated with gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and other fatty acids over the past decade. You may have read recent studies showing benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in the fight against coronary artery disease, through sources such as fish and fish oil supplements. The benefit of the various fatty acids is an exciting area of new scientific inquiry.

Many people use evening primrose oil (EPO) as a dietary supplement for diseases ranging from arthritis (inflammatory diseases) to Alzheimer's, menopause, cancer, heart disease, impotence, infertility and fibromyalgia. While there seems to be no concrete evidence that proves the curing abilities of the EPO oil, GLA and omega-6 fatty acids, studies are ongoing. Skin disorders such as eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis, and female issues such as breast pain associated with PMS, have long been treated with evening primrose oil, and there does seem to be evidence supporting the use of EPO for these ailments.

Here follows specific information from the Health First web site about this specific product:

• The 500-milligram evening primrose gel caps offer 45 milligrams of gamma-linolenic acid and 350 milligrams of CIS linolenic acid.

• Health First® evening primrose oil is cold-pressed, hexane-free and has no genetically modified organisms (GMO's).

• The soft gels provide 15 international units of Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol).

• This is product number 90008 on the Health First web site.

• Non-medicinal ingredients include gelatin, glycerin and purified water.

• The correct dosage for adults is two gel caps, taken two to four times daily, or as directed by your health professional.

• The gel caps should be stored in a cool, dry place to keep them from melting. They should also be stored out of the reach of children.

• Health First® EPO gel caps are reportedly, "free from artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, gluten, wheat, lactose, added sugar and yeast."

Taking evening primrose oil supplements is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing, for people with seizure disorders, for those who are taking anesthetics (or soon to have anesthesia for surgery), or for people who are taking other medicines, especially medicines related to mental illness. There is a reported increase in the incidence of seizures in people with prior seizure disorders or with those who are taking anesthetics. Medicines for mental illness have a high risk of seizure associated with them, so do not take these in conjunction with EPO. Read about the EPO side effects before taking any evening primrose oil supplement. Evidence is lacking on what effects, if any, EPO has on pregnant women, unborn fetuses or nursing children.

This information is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult your health professional prior to using dietary supplements.

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