Lorenzo's oil

Lorenzo's Oil is a specific dietary supplement that was created by Augusto and Michaela Odone for their son Lorenzo, who was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare genetic disorder. The oil is a mixture of two specific types of fatty acids, erucic acid and oleic acid, which are intended to normalize the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids in the brain, thereby halting the progression of ALD.

Composition

Lorenzo's Oil is a 4:1 mixture of glyceryl trierucate and glyceryl trioleate, the triglyceride forms of erucic acid and oleic acid, respectively. These are both monounsaturated fatty acids, and they are incorporated into the oil in order to inhibit the elongation of saturated fatty acids, thereby reducing the levels of very long chain fatty acids in the body.

Use in Adrenoleukodystrophy

The primary use of Lorenzo's Oil is in the treatment of ALD. This is a rare, genetic disorder characterized by the buildup of very long chain fatty acids in the brain, leading to progressive neurological disability. The oil is intended to normalize this accumulation by inhibiting the elongation of saturated fatty acids.

However, it should be noted that while Lorenzo's Oil has been shown to lower blood levels of very long chain fatty acids, it has not been conclusively proven to delay the onset of symptoms or progression of ALD. Therefore, it is typically used as a supplement to other treatments, rather than as a standalone therapy.

Side Effects and Risks

While Lorenzo's Oil is generally well-tolerated, it can have side effects. These may include a decrease in platelet count, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, and a decrease in white blood cell count, which can lead to an increased risk of infection. Additionally, the oil can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Research and Development

The development of Lorenzo's Oil was largely driven by the parents of Lorenzo Odone, who were not medical professionals but who undertook a comprehensive study of ALD after their son's diagnosis. Their work led to the creation of the oil, and they also established The Myelin Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and treatment for ALD and similar disorders.

See Also

• Adrenoleukodystrophy
• The Myelin Project
• Fatty acid