Some dietary supplements used by patients with multiple sclerosis Review article
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Abstract
Medicinal products and dietary supplements containing Echinacea preparations are currently used to stimulate the immune system, not only in the upper respiratory tract infections, but also by people with impaired immune function. There is some evidence that products containing the aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea might be effective in the early treatment of colds in adults but results are not fully consistent. Randomized clinical trials did not confirm the effectiveness of long-term administration of Echinacea preparations to prevent bad colds. Absolute contraindication for treatment are autoimmune diseases, where the substrate is autoimmunity to its own immune system, connective tissue diseases (collagenases) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
An attempt to provide the optimal balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which could maintain the proper function of the immune system is the administration of the evening primrose seeds oil (Oenothera biennis) in patients with MS. Meta-analysis of the Cochrane group assessing 6 controlled randomized clinical trials in patients with MS showed little benefit after administration of omega-6 fatty acids. It was found that administration of omega-6 fatty acids does not have a significant impact on the progression of the disease, but may have a tendency to reduce the frequency of relapses within 2 years. Although the therapeutic efficacy of the evening primrose oil in patients with MS is uncertain, and the possible interactions and side effects can significantly limit its use, one would encourage to just such supplementation.
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