The empiric use of palm kernel oil in neonatal skin care: justifiable or not?
10.1007/s11655-011-0938-1
- Author:
Andreas CHIABI
1
;
Maguerite Hortence KENMOGNE
;
Seraphin NGUEFACK
;
Bolaji OBADEYI
;
Evelyne MAH
;
Franck Zeh MEKA
;
Pierre-Fernand TCHOKOTEU
;
Elie MBONDA
;
Tetanye EKOE
Author Information
1. Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Cameroon. andy_Chiabi@yahoo.co.hk
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Humans;
Infant, Newborn;
Palm Oil;
Plant Oils;
pharmacology;
Skin;
drug effects;
Skin Care
- From:
Chinese journal of integrative medicine
2011;17(12):950-954
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Palm kernel oil is a vegetable oil derived from Elaeis guineensis and widely used in neonatal settings for skin care. It is a good emollient with a beneficial effect in moisturizing the skin and preventing transdermal heat and water loss. However, it's putative roles in the prevention or treatment of fatty acid defificiency is still controversial. So is its function in the improvement of neurological development from its longchain polyunsaturated fatty acids? We set out in this review to verify whether its empiric use in this context has any scientific justification and is recommendable. Although there is evidence that it has emollient and moisturizing properties necessary for softening the skin and restoring elasticity, controversy subsists on its other nutritional and neurodevelopmental properties.
