Lorenzo’s Oil: Can It Combat Disease?

Lorenzo’s Oil: Does It Really Help Fight Disease?

Do you remember a movie that left a lasting impression on you? Many of us recall watching the 1992 film “Lorenzo’s Oil” in school. The movie tells the true story of a young boy, Lorenzo Odone, who was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). As Lorenzo began showing signs like seizures, hearing loss, and imbalance, his doctors warned that he had less than two years to live. But his determined parents didn’t accept that fate—they discovered a mixture of special fatty acids that appeared to work like a miracle.

Breaking Down Lorenzo’s Oil

So, what exactly is Lorenzo’s oil? In simple terms, it’s a blend made by mixing four parts of glyceryl trioleate with one part of glyceryl trierucate. Here’s a quick rundown:

Glyceryl trioleate: Also called triolein, it comes from oleic acid, which you can find in olive oil, meat, cheese, and avocados.
Glyceryl trierucate: Derived from erucic acid, this ingredient is present in rapeseed, mustard seed oils, and even in fatty fish like salmon.

The idea behind the oil is that it blocks an enzyme responsible for producing excessive saturated very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). Though VLCFAs are important for nerve function, vision, and even skin health, too many of them can lead to severe damage in our tissues.

Targeted Treatment: ALD and Beyond

Introduced in 1989, Lorenzo’s oil was initially used as an experimental treatment for ALD, a genetic disorder that affects the brain, eyes, and nervous system. ALD causes VLCFAs to build up, leading to inflammation and damage over time.

Some early research delivered a glimmer of hope—when children with early ALD were treated with a regimen enriched with these fatty acids, their VLCFA levels dropped to normal ranges. In a few cases, the progression of the disease even seemed to pause for nearly 2 years. However, many studies suggest that while the oil might help delay symptoms if used early, it offers little benefit once neurological issues are already in play.

Researchers are curious: could the anti-inflammatory properties of erucic acid be useful for other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Huntington’s? So far, no definitive studies have answered that question.

The Upsides and Downsides

Early research points to an encouraging possibility—Lorenzo’s oil might help reduce ALD symptoms and improve quality of life if it’s introduced before major neurological damage occurs. But it’s important to note:

If a patient already shows advanced symptoms of ALD, the oil is less likely to improve their condition.
The treatment has a very specific role and may not offer extra benefits beyond slowing early disease progression.

On the flip side, there were initial worries about safety—erucic acid had been linked to heart issues in rodent studies. Thankfully, later research in primates and humans has not shown serious heart problems. However, some patients experienced a moderate drop in platelet counts, which could potentially lead to issues like internal bleeding or a weakened immune system.

Dosage Guidelines and Practical Advice

How much Lorenzo’s oil should be taken? Most studies used doses around 0.9–1.4 mL per pound (2–3 mL per kilogram) of body weight daily, sometimes continuing the treatment for several years. Interestingly, this regimen can account for about 20% of one’s daily calories.

It’s crucial to balance your diet when using Lorenzo’s oil, as consuming too much fat (over 35% of daily calories) might reduce its effectiveness. If you or a loved one is considering this treatment, be sure to discuss proper dosing with a healthcare provider or a dietitian.

Keep in mind that the FDA has not approved Lorenzo’s oil as a standard medication—it’s still used in experimental treatments, often alongside other therapies.

Wrapping It Up

In essence, Lorenzo’s oil is a carefully mixed combination of specific fatty acids, named after Lorenzo Odone, whose hopeful story sparked widespread interest. The oil seems to help slow the progression of ALD and delay the onset of symptoms—at least when it is administered before neurological damage becomes evident.

Have you ever wondered how diet and specific nutrients can influence a disease so profoundly? If you’re exploring treatments for ALD or any neurodegenerative disorder, it’s best to have a detailed conversation with your healthcare professional.

Just one idea to try today: why not experiment in the kitchen with a pizza twist on healthy fats? Consider creating pesto salmon skewers to enjoy a natural boost of erucic acid foods in your diet.