I ordered 500mg EPO pills through my farmacy and got them today. The only problem with them is they're made for girls with trouble with their menstrual cycle and so also contain added vitamin E, about 150% of the recommended daily dose. First thing is I really don't like taking pills that state that they're meant to be taken as a cure for menstrual problems (I'm a guy for crying out loud) and second I don't know if it's a good thing to be taking 150% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin E in addition to the multi vitamin pills I'm already taking daily that contain 100% of the recommended dose of vitamin E.

 

Any advice?

DOnt worry about the vitamin E. The RDA for vitamin E is VERY small. I probably take 10x that amount at least, every day. It takes a lot to produce bad effects.

I'm 27 with the worst acne I've ever experienced. When a teenager I had a pimple here and there, but nothing like what I have now --- was wondering what to take because I purchased two softgels ----

1. Spectrum Essentials -- Flax Borage Oil -- has 600 mg each and is coldpressed and unrefined. -- has 100% omega 3 and 580 mg of Omega 6 (LA), 115 mg of GLA, and 615 mg of OA, Omega 9. It says to take 5 softgels a day. -- which would account for 575 mg of GLA's that you were speaking of.

2. Sundown Stardardized Evening Primrose Oil which contains 500 mg of Evening Primrose oil (seed), 365 mg. of LA and 45 mg of GLA. Suppose to take one softgel anywhere from three to six times daily.

I want to use these supplements before any other recommendations --- what amount should I use to see results fast and it still be okay on my stomach. I have lecithin too and don't know how much to take. I will definitely take with Milk as I see this fat helps in absorption.

Thanks so much!!!

Bump, whos getting results from this programme. Continue the updates please folks - im thinking of trying this out

 

My update:

 

Definitely seeing some sort of improvement, thusfar. Although, it has just hit that "time" and I believe that is what is behind its latest lashout. It's definitely worth a shot.

 

I should be going on OTC shortly.. I will continue to take the EPO. I hope this combination will ultimately clear me.

 

 

 

..Does anyone know when it's safe to cut back? Should it be only after a couple weeks, or should I wait until I'm pretty much clear? And how much is the maintaining dose?

 

When you say you will be going on OTC shortly --- do you mean Ortho-tricyclen birth control? Didn't know. I"m on my third week and about to start my period and I broke out on my chin pretty bad just a few days ago. I really want Ortho to work for me --- have you taken before and did it help with breakouts? This is the only thing I can think of that is causing my acne --- I haven't been on birth control for 3 years and 9 months of that I was pregnant. But, It seems like my acne has been worse since not being on birth control.

I read somewhere that men are to take Borage oil and women are to take Evening Primrose oil to cure acne related to hormones. Have you heard this?

Neither are specific to a particular gender, you can use either. Although there are some concerns about the possible toxicity of Borage oil.

I'm 27 with the worst acne I've ever experienced. When a teenager I had a pimple here and there, but nothing like what I have now --- was wondering what to take because I purchased two softgels ----

 

1. Spectrum Essentials -- Flax Borage Oil -- has 600 mg each and is coldpressed and unrefined. -- has 100% omega 3 and 580 mg of Omega 6 (LA), 115 mg of GLA, and 615 mg of OA, Omega 9. It says to take 5 softgels a day. -- which would account for 575 mg of GLA's that you were speaking of.

 

2. Sundown Stardardized Evening Primrose Oil which contains 500 mg of Evening Primrose oil (seed), 365 mg. of LA and 45 mg of GLA. Suppose to take one softgel anywhere from three to six times daily.

 

I want to use these supplements before any other recommendations --- what amount should I use to see results fast and it still be okay on my stomach. I have lecithin too and don't know how much to take. I will definitely take with Milk as I see this fat helps in absorption.

 

Thanks so much!!!

just take massive amounts of fish oil, it will beat out any bad omega6s influnce on your body. suppllement gla in a moderate fashion. its ok to high dose on gla for a while but suposedly when gla is in excess a portion of it will then be converted into arachidonic acid creating pro inflammatory eiconsanoids once again.

epa is the omega 3 that creates anti inflammatory eicosanoids which directly compete with the pro inflammatory eicosanoids made from arachidonic acid

nope, not just pulling this out of my ass.

I'm 27 with the worst acne I've ever experienced. When a teenager I had a pimple here and there, but nothing like what I have now --- was wondering what to take because I purchased two softgels ----

 

1. Spectrum Essentials -- Flax Borage Oil -- has 600 mg each and is coldpressed and unrefined. -- has 100% omega 3 and 580 mg of Omega 6 (LA), 115 mg of GLA, and 615 mg of OA, Omega 9. It says to take 5 softgels a day. -- which would account for 575 mg of GLA's that you were speaking of.

 

2. Sundown Stardardized Evening Primrose Oil which contains 500 mg of Evening Primrose oil (seed), 365 mg. of LA and 45 mg of GLA. Suppose to take one softgel anywhere from three to six times daily.

 

I want to use these supplements before any other recommendations --- what amount should I use to see results fast and it still be okay on my stomach. I have lecithin too and don't know how much to take. I will definitely take with Milk as I see this fat helps in absorption.

 

Thanks so much!!!

 

 

just take massive amounts of fish oil, it will beat out any bad omega6s influnce on your body. suppllement gla in a moderate fashion. its ok to high dose on gla for a while but suposedly when gla is in excess a portion of it will then be converted into arachidonic acid creating pro inflammatory eiconsanoids once again.

 

epa is the omega 3 that creates anti inflammatory eicosanoids which directly compete with the pro inflammatory eicosanoids made from arachidonic acid

 

nope, not just pulling this out of my ass.

 

I see you do the dipping method in hot water ---- how long until you saw success from this? I love the way it feels after I did it last night, but my inflammation on my chin has not gone down or shown any signs of retreat. What do you suggest?

I'm 27 with the worst acne I've ever experienced. When a teenager I had a pimple here and there, but nothing like what I have now --- was wondering what to take because I purchased two softgels ----

 

1. Spectrum Essentials -- Flax Borage Oil -- has 600 mg each and is coldpressed and unrefined. -- has 100% omega 3 and 580 mg of Omega 6 (LA), 115 mg of GLA, and 615 mg of OA, Omega 9. It says to take 5 softgels a day. -- which would account for 575 mg of GLA's that you were speaking of.

 

2. Sundown Stardardized Evening Primrose Oil which contains 500 mg of Evening Primrose oil (seed), 365 mg. of LA and 45 mg of GLA. Suppose to take one softgel anywhere from three to six times daily.

 

I want to use these supplements before any other recommendations --- what amount should I use to see results fast and it still be okay on my stomach. I have lecithin too and don't know how much to take. I will definitely take with Milk as I see this fat helps in absorption.

 

Thanks so much!!!

 

 

just take massive amounts of fish oil, it will beat out any bad omega6s influnce on your body. suppllement gla in a moderate fashion. its ok to high dose on gla for a while but suposedly when gla is in excess a portion of it will then be converted into arachidonic acid creating pro inflammatory eiconsanoids once again.

 

epa is the omega 3 that creates anti inflammatory eicosanoids which directly compete with the pro inflammatory eicosanoids made from arachidonic acid

 

nope, not just pulling this out of my ass.

 

 

I see you do the dipping method in hot water ---- how long until you saw success from this? I love the way it feels after I did it last night, but my inflammation on my chin has not gone down or shown any signs of retreat. What do you suggest?

 

well the benefits of dipping you will see in the first week then it doesnt get any better from there on out, i think the reason why it helps is because the warm water may improve blood flow to the face, and it also seems to open up the pores so that they can be cleansed of oil a little better, but its not gonna cure you. its a good addition to your regimen though. Now, I cant imagine cleansing my face any other way.

I'm reallly really really confused about all of this! I'm going to nutrition smart tonight and I really want to know what to buy. I am a 20yr. old female who breaks out during the middle of my monthly cycle.

What do I buy and how much do I take? And when do I take them?

Fish oil?

Primrose or starflower oil or borage oil?

Lecithin?

Or do I need anything else?

Will someone please reply ^!

Will someone please reply ^!

I know one guy on here said to take 6000 mg starflower borage oil a day. Take with 2400 mg Lecithin in 2 doses.

Take with a few gulps of milk before a heavy meal for both doses. The milk is a fat and will help with the absorption.

The 6000 seems like quite a lot and I will personally be only taking 3000 of the borage.

I went and bought borage oil 1050mg. I think I'm going to take 2 before breakfast with the lecithin and 2 before dinner with the lecithin of course with milk.

Should I continue to take my multi vitamin + mineral supplement during the day?

Also I bought fish oil should I take this during the day with my multi vit?

I'm reallly really really confused about all of this! I'm going to nutrition smart tonight and I really want to know what to buy. I am a 20yr. old female who breaks out during the middle of my monthly cycle.

 

What do I buy and how much do I take? And when do I take them?

Fish oil?

Primrose or starflower oil or borage oil?

Lecithin?

 

Or do I need anything else?

borage has the most gla i would take some of that.

i would also recommend taking lots of fish oil with epa dha.

and cut down on omega 6s in your diet.

I'm sorry I'm new to all of this! What is epa dha and what foods are omega 6s?

Thanks

I'm sorry I'm new to all of this! What is epa dha and what foods are omega 6s?

 

Thanks

well pretty much all nuts except walnuts have high omega 6.

soy milk has high omega 6

so a good rule of thumb would be for every gram of omega 6 you consume eat 1 gram of efas to balance it out. This will bring to your 1:1 ratio.

go to this site http://www.nutritiondata.com/

and look up any foods you eat regularly

they will list the 3-6 ratio at the bottom left hand corner that will give you an idea of how many omega 6 or three you usually get.

the optimal ratio is for 6-3 is 1:1 or 2:1

Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Sep;70(3 Suppl):560S-569S. FPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT=Click here to read" Links Comment in:

Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Mar;79(3):523-4.

Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease.

Simopoulos AP.

Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, Washington, DC 20009 [email protected]

Human beings evolved consuming a diet that contained about equal amounts of n-3 and n-6 essential fatty acids. Over the past 100-150 y there has been an enormous increase in the consumption of n-6 fatty acids due to the increased intake of vegetable oils from corn, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cottonseed, and soybeans. Today, in Western diets, the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids ranges from approximately 20-30:1 instead of the traditional range of 1-2:1. Studies indicate that a high intake of n-6 fatty acids shifts the physiologic state to one that is prothrombotic and proaggregatory, characterized by increases in blood viscosity, vasospasm, and vasoconstriction and decreases in bleeding time. n-3 Fatty acids, however, have antiinflammatory, antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic, hypolipidemic, and vasodilatory properties. These beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids have been shown in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and, in some patients with renal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most of the studies were carried out with fish oils [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]. However, alpha-linolenic acid, found in green leafy vegetables, flaxseed, rapeseed, and walnuts, desaturates and elongates in the human body to EPA and DHA and by itself may have beneficial effects in health and in the control of chronic diseases.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docosahexaenoic_acid

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eicosapentaenoic_acid

Hi Guys,

Been using EPO now for about a month with a noticeable improvement in skin condition. However, I still get the occassional spot every week and my forehead still has a few blackheads. I'd like to put an end to this if possible.

What I've been taking on a daily basis:

2x 1300mg Evening Primrose Oil (117mg GLA)

2x 1200mg Soya Lecithin

1x Vitamin C (500mg) and Vitamin E (400iu)

1x Chelated Zinc (25mg)

My main concern here is that I haven't been getting enough GLA, when Acne Wars recommends an optimum dosage of something between 200 and 800mg - I'm only getting 234mg GLA. Problem is, the label on my EPO bottle states that I shouldn't exceed the maximum dose of 2 capsules daily. So I don't want to exceed the maximum dosage, but I might not be getting enough GLA. Are there any other or supplements I should be taking to boost my GLA?

Alternatively, I may be taking too much Soya Lecithin, so I will certainly lower the dosage, there. I am making sure I drink lots of fruit juice, eat fruit during the day (to boost vitamin C count) and vegetables where possible.

I've also noticed a few white spots on my finger nails - maybe I should be taking a magnesium supplement, too?

Best course of action?

Hi Guys,

 

Been using EPO now for about a month with a noticeable improvement in skin condition. However, I still get the occassional spot every week and my forehead still has a few blackheads. I'd like to put an end to this if possible.

 

What I've been taking on a daily basis:

 

2x 1300mg Evening Primrose Oil (117mg GLA)

2x 1200mg Soya Lecithin

1x Vitamin C (500mg) and Vitamin E (400iu)

1x Chelated Zinc (25mg)

 

My main concern here is that I haven't been getting enough GLA, when Acne Wars recommends an optimum dosage of something between 200 and 800mg - I'm only getting 234mg GLA. Problem is, the label on my EPO bottle states that I shouldn't exceed the maximum dose of 2 capsules daily. So I don't want to exceed the maximum dosage, but I might not be getting enough GLA. Are there any other or supplements I should be taking to boost my GLA?

 

Alternatively, I may be taking too much Soya Lecithin, so I will certainly lower the dosage, there. I am making sure I drink lots of fruit juice, eat fruit during the day (to boost vitamin C count) and vegetables where possible.

 

I've also noticed a few white spots on my finger nails - maybe I should be taking a magnesium supplement, too?

 

Best course of action?

you can up your dosage of epo. there are no adverse effects to taking more (as far as i know). i am also taking 1300 mg epo pills. my bottle says to take 1-4 pills per day.

Will borage oil help control my hormones the same as epo?

JeNNa86 said:

Will borage oil help control my hormones the same as epo?

borage usually works better. it contains more GLA. however there are some concerns over taking a lot of borage oil over a long period of time as discussed here:

[Link Removed]

other people say there is nothing wrong with borage oil. its discussed on page 11 of this thread

Will borage oil help control my hormones the same as epo?

borage usually works better. it contains more GLA. however there are some concerns over taking a lot of borage oil over a long period of time as discussed here:

http://www.udoerasmus.com/articles/udo/epo_expanded.htm

 

other people say there is nothing wrong with borage oil. its discussed on page 11 of this thread

 

borage has more gla, i thinks its the better choice.

Hi Guys,

 

Been using EPO now for about a month with a noticeable improvement in skin condition. However, I still get the occassional spot every week and my forehead still has a few blackheads. I'd like to put an end to this if possible.

 

What I've been taking on a daily basis:

 

2x 1300mg Evening Primrose Oil (117mg GLA)

2x 1200mg Soya Lecithin

1x Vitamin C (500mg) and Vitamin E (400iu)

1x Chelated Zinc (25mg)

 

My main concern here is that I haven't been getting enough GLA, when Acne Wars recommends an optimum dosage of something between 200 and 800mg - I'm only getting 234mg GLA. Problem is, the label on my EPO bottle states that I shouldn't exceed the maximum dose of 2 capsules daily. So I don't want to exceed the maximum dosage, but I might not be getting enough GLA. Are there any other or supplements I should be taking to boost my GLA?

 

Alternatively, I may be taking too much Soya Lecithin, so I will certainly lower the dosage, there. I am making sure I drink lots of fruit juice, eat fruit during the day (to boost vitamin C count) and vegetables where possible.

 

I've also noticed a few white spots on my finger nails - maybe I should be taking a magnesium supplement, too?

 

Best course of action?

analyze your diet and bring your fat ratio of omega 6 to 3 somewhere around 1-4:1 aim for 1:1.

and from the studies ive been reading, epa and dha has alot to do with the potent effects on sebum glands. even though gla also plays an important role as well but if you want better effects on sebum production you could also get more dha and epa.

It's true that a too high ratio of omega 3 : omega 6 where omega 6 is too dominating causes inflammations in the body... maybe that's a big cause of acne?

I've been taking 2 tbsp of flaxseed oil for months with no marked improvement with my acne, but I'm having really great results since I added evening primrose oil two weeks ago. It's gotten even better when I added 1/2 teaspoon of borage oil and 3600mg of lecithin. I have moderate persistant acne mostly located on my chin, jawline and neck and it has been rapidly clearing. I also cut out all dairy and wheat fom my diet.

I just had my period and I should have had a massive breakout, but this time it was reasonable. Not only that but I had no cramps whatsoever.

I've been taking 2 tbsp of flaxseed oil for months with no marked improvement with my acne, but I'm having really great results since I added evening primrose oil two weeks ago. It's gotten even better when I added 1/2 teaspoon of borage oil and 3600mg of lecithin. I have moderate persistant acne mostly located on my chin, jawline and neck and it has been rapidly clearing. I also cut out all dairy and wheat fom my diet.

 

I just had my period and I should have had a massive breakout, but this time it was reasonable. Not only that but I had no cramps whatsoever.

the evening primrose oil is giving you better results because it has GLA in it. the borage oil helped even more because it is even higher in gla.

The flax oil wasnt helpnig you because there is no gla, dha or epa. even though it has high amounts of ala which can eventually be converted into dha and epa thats takes a long time. The best way to get dha and epa is through a fish oil supplement particularly one that has a high concentration of dha and epa. the epa is really gonna have an even greater effect on you i believe, so it would be a good idea to start taking a fish oil supplement and consider cutting out the epo and continue taking the borage.

It's true that a too high ratio of omega 3 : omega 6 where omega 6 is too dominating causes inflammations in the body... maybe that's a big cause of acne?

here check this out

the red box shows how arachidonic acid leads to the production of pro inflammatory eicosanoids(omega 6 side), and the blue box next to dpa shows how it leads to the less inflammatory production of eicosanoids(omega 3 side).

ltb4and pge2(red box) has been proven to stimulate the sebaceous glands by combining with ppar ligands for retinoid x receptors that control apoptosis and proliferation. ltb4 and pge2 basically tell the cells to multply in abundance and in an out of control fashion.

this is the science the backs up the theory that will hopefully ring true for all of us.

so the goals are to

inhibit arachidonic acid-GLA does this

balance omega 6 to omega 3 in the right ratio of 1:1

encourage the production of less and anti inflammatory eicosanoids by taking epa and dha that will up regulate the ppar ligands that will bind to the rxr receptor and tell the cells to normalize and induce apoptosis.

here is some proof

Enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 are active in sebaceous glands.

2006 Jan

Department of Dermatology, Charite Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Fabeckstrasse 60-62, 14195 Berlin, Germany.

The expression of enzymes involved in leukotriene and prostaglandin signalling pathways, of interleukins 6 and 8 and of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in sebaceous glands of acne-involved facial skin was compared with those of non-involved skin of acne patients and of healthy individuals. Moreover, 5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene A(4) hydrolase were expressed at mRNA and protein levels in vivo and in SZ95 sebocytes in vitro (leukotriene A(4) hydrolase > 5-lipoxygenase), while 15-lipoxygenase-1 was only detected in cultured sebocytes. Cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 were also present. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors were constitutively expressed. Enhanced 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin 6 expression was detected in acne-involved facial skin. Arachidonic acid stimulated leukotriene B(4) and interleukin 6 release as well as prostaglandin E(2) biosynthesis in SZ95 sebocytes, induced abundant increase in neutral lipids and down-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha, but not receptor-gamma1 mRNA levels, which were the predominant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor isotypes in SZ95 sebocytes. In conclusion, human sebocytes possess the enzyme machinery for functional leukotriene and prostaglandin pathways. A comprehensive link between inflammation and sebaceous lipid synthesis is provided.

Ok all you experts I have a question. I've been taking borage oil for a couple of years with really no results. I take about 2000 mg a day. I've taken it (months at a time) with fish oil, salmon oil, c, zinc, ALA, E, uhhhh I can't remember it all. I would like to try EPO instead, BUT, I've read that epileptics should not take it. The best I can figure out is because the GLA reduces the threshold for seizures. Wouldn't borage oil do the same? My borage oil label has no warning, so I'm confused.