¤ Psoriasis affects nearly 5% of the population to varying degrees, and unfortunately for these people, there is no really effective pharmaceutical or nutritional treatment available.
> However, fumaric acid and certain of its derivatives have been used with some success for more than 30 years in northern Europe and the U.S.A. to calm itching, desquamation (shedding outer layers of skin) and the discomfort characteristic of psoriasis.
> Fumaric acid normally forms in the skin when it is exposed to the sun, but in the case of psoriasis, this process is deficient and prolonged exposure to sunlight is necessary. In several of the most positive studies, where efficacy was seen in 80% of patients, supplementation with fumaric acid pharmaceutical derivatives was combined with a very restricted diet. According to Dr. Ward Dean, who used fumaric acid with his patients, "it is the only product which is effective, even very effective in 80% of cases, and is often considered a godsend by those affected." He recommends using it possibly in combination with gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
> Unlike some of its pharmaceutical derivatives, fumaric acid - a natural compound and an intermediate in the Krebs cycle - is very safe, and is on the "GRAS" (Generally Recognized As Safe) List established by the FDA. The only possible side effect is a harmless "flush", comparable to that caused by niacin, to which tolerance is quickly established.

Take one vegetarian capsule a day with plenty of fluid, just before breakfast, for the first three weeks. Thereafter, increase the dose by one capsule every two or three weeks, according to the results obtained, up to a maximum of 6 or 7 capsules a day (3 to 3.5g).