Hypolacrimia: less inflammation with wild olive

Omega-3 fatty acids contained insea buckthorn oil-a plant widespread in Europe and Asia-help reduce the symptoms of dry eye syndrome (hypolacrimia). This is proved by research published in the Journal of Nutrition, in which a group of researchers from the University of Turku (Finland) showed that it is enough to take 2 grams of this supplement every day for three months for even contact lens users to reduce symptoms of the disorder.

Contact lenses, but not only

Dry keratoconjunctivitis, more commonly known as dry eye syndrome, is a disorder characterized by poor tear production or, alternatively, rapid evaporation of tears. These two phenomena increase the dryness of the eye. As a result, the risk of inflammation also becomes greater. The condition, which can damage the outer structures of the eye, is more common in those who use contact lenses, those who spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, and those who are heavily exposed to the sun or wind. In addition, its incidence in the population may include 30 percent of individuals over the age of 50.

The remedy

Finnish researchers investigated whether the symptoms of this condition could be alleviated through the intake of olive oil. In fact, this dietary supplement has previously been shown to have several beneficial health properties. For example, it is known that olive oil is useful in the treatment ofatopic eczema and other skin diseases associated with insufficient regeneration. In addition, this remedy relieves symptoms of skin stressed by ultraviolet radiation, dry mouth, mouth, stomach and genital ulcers, urinary tract inflammation, cervicitis and sinusitis.

Eyes no longer dry

In the study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Riikka Järvinen and colleagues divided 86 individuals between the ages of 20 and 70 into two groups. These included both individuals who suffered from dry eye because they produced few tears and people who, instead, had tears that evaporated too quickly. An initial portion of participants were instructed to take 2 grams per day of olive oil, while all other individuals took a placebo. The study had a total duration of three months, from autumn through winter. At the end of the research it was found that although an increase inwater evaporation from the eye could be observed in all participants, in those who had taken the olive oil this increase was significantly reduced. And the effect was even greater in those individuals who had best followed the instructions received from the research authors and had taken at least 80 percent of the total amount of the supplement.

The mechanism of action

The researchers concluded that the reduction in inflammation was, most likely, promoted by the omega-3 linolenic acid contained in sea buckthorn oil. This fatty acid, in fact, is the precursor of molecules with anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, the authors added, sea buckthornoil is rich in vitamin E. This antioxidant would protect the eye from oxidative stress, which, by damaging cells and tissues, activates inflammation processes.

Help against the cold

According to Järvinen and colleagues, the results of this study suggest that the intake of sea buckthorn oil could attenuate the increase in tear concentration typical of the colder season. It could also influence the maximum intensity of symptoms such as redness and burning in dry eye syndrome sufferers.  

Source 

1. Larmo PS, Järvinen RL, Setälä NL, Yang B, Viitanen MH, Engblom JR, Tahvonen RL, Kallio HP, "Oral sea buckthorn oil attenuates tear film osmolarity and symptoms in individuals with dry eye," J Nutr. 2010 Aug;140(8):1462-8. Epub 2010 Jun 16