The mother's pool of PUFA is drained during pregnancy as she nourishes the fetus. In many cases she never completely recovers and is in a deficient state. Other conditions with possible omega-3 PUFA involvement include arthritis, cancer, allergic asthma and depression. Most research, however, has focused on benefits to the brain and heart. Although a -tocopherol has become synonymous with vitamin E, eight related compounds, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols show vitamin E activity.
Oilseeds contain medicinal compounds that affect many organs of the human body.
Individual by-products play various roles in the human body such as providing necessary nutrients, lowering blood lipids and cholesterol, preventing liver damage, and decreasing cancer risks. In the case of benign prostatic hyperplasia, b-sitosterol improves symptoms and urinary flow parameters. Symptoms include severe photosensitivity, which b-carotene can reduce. Menopausal disorders and irritable bowel syndrome are improved by g-oryzanol. The Food and Nutrition Board will be reviewing recommended dietary intakes for certain lipids during 2000, and researchers expect that RDAs for long-chain PUFA may be forthcoming.