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Safflower Oil Dangers

Safflower oil is a plant native to countries from Iran to India, North America and the Far East. It has been used to treat baldness, cholesterol, essential fatty acid deficiency and hair loss. It is also used as a culinary oil. It contains linoleic and oleic acids, essential fatty acids needed by the body generally obtainable only from food. These fats control inflammation, blood clotting and brain development.

  1. Function of Safflower OIl

    • Safflower oil's benefits come from its concentration of polyunsaturated linoleic acid and oleic acid. It is a component of the fat emulsion intravenous drug Liposyn II, which is given to increase or maintain weight in people who need parenteral nutrition.

    Contraindications

    • Safflower oil or medications containing safflower oil should not be taken if you are allergic to eggs or soybean oil, have had kidney disease or diabetes, if you are or plan to become pregnant or if you are breast-feeding.

    Side Effects of Safflower Oil

    • Side effects of fat emulsion medications such as Liposyn II, many of which contain safflower oil, include vomiting, chills, fever and shivering. Other adverse reactions are hyperlipemia, dyspnea, cyanosis, flushing, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, nausea, hyperthermia, sweating, chest and back pain, thrombocytopenia (rarely in neonates), hypercoagulability and transient increases in liver enzymes.

      Using safflower oil as an herbal remedy and taken as part of a balanced diet does not have any side effects. However, having an excess of omega-6 essential fatty acids in your diet is now being linked to great incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and non-insulin dependent diabetes. Safflower oil is full of omega-6 essential fatty acids and should be taken under a doctor's care.

    Dosages of Safflower OIl

    • It is important to take this item precisely as directed to avoid any adverse reactions. A large intake of polyunsaturated fats such as safflower oil can increase your risk for some types of cancer.

    Liposyn II

    • Liposyn II is a medicine also administered to those deficient in essential fatty acids. Safflower oil is one component of this drug, which is deemed safe as long as it is given as instructed and the recommended dosage is not exceeded. It should not be given to people with problems with normal fat metabolism.

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