Essential fatty acids in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis patients.

Statistical evaluation of essential fatty acids (determined by gas chromatography) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with definite MS and acute CCT showed marked differences as compared to healthy subjects. It was also evident that the decrease of essential fatty acids in MS patients differed from that of CCT patients. Whereas the fatty acid levels in the serum of MS patients revealed only minor differences as compared to the controls and CCT patients, MS patients did show a clear decrease, especially of linoleic and arachidonic acids, in the CSF. This difference was most pronounced in cholesterol esters in the CSF. One absorption study with safflower oil demonstrated normal enteral absorption of essential fatty acids and the ability to cross the blood-CSF barrier.