Refsum disease

This disease is a disorder of fat metabolism that results in the accumulation of phytanic acid, a type of fatty acid. Phytanic acid usually found in dairy products, beef, lamb and some types of seafood.

Symptoms: visual impairment, peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, impaired hearing, bone and skin changes, involuntary movements of the eye, a loss of the sense of smell and dry scaly rough skin.

Who to consult: dermatologist, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath, ophthalmologist, otologist, neurologist.