GAMMA LINOLENIC ACID (GLA)
Product No. P07015
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid in the omega-6 family that is found primarily in plant-based oils. EFA’s are essential to human health, but cannot be made in the body, so must be obtained from food. EFA’s are needed for normal brain function, bone health, skin and hair growth, metabolism regulation, and maintenance of reproductive processes.
GLA can be obtained in several ways; it is available directly from evening primrose oil (EPO), blackcurrant seed oil, and borage oil, or it can be obtained from converting linoleic acid, another omega-6 fatty acid which is found in cooking oils and processed foods. A form of GLA, arachidonic acid (AA), can also be consumed directly from meat.
The average diet provides the necessary amount of linoleic acid and actually tends to have too much omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids - another important class of EFA’s. An imbalance contributes to the development of long-term problems such as heart disease, cancer, asthma and arthritis. It can also promote depression as well as possibly increase the risk of various infections.
Not all omega-6 fatty acids behave the same - linoleic acid and arachidonic acid tend to be unhealthy because they promote inflammation, thereby increasing the risk of certain diseases when consumed in excess. In contrast, GLA may actually reduce inflammation.
Much of the GLA taken from the oils mentioned above, or as a supplement, is not converted to AA, but to DGLA instead. DGLA competes with AA, and helps to prevent the negative inflammatory effects that it would otherwise cause in the body. Consuming adequate amounts of certain nutrients in the body, including magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B3, B6 and C, helps to promote the conversion of GLA to DGLA rather than AA.
Research suggests that GLA may be useful for the following purposes:
Diabetes - Omega-6 fatty acid supplementation may assist nerve function and help prevent the nerve disease (peripheral neuropathy) experienced by those with diabetes, which causes numbness, tingling, pain, burning, or lack of sensation in the feet and legs.
Menopausal Symptoms - Although research to date has not demonstrated a definite benefit of GLA or EPO over taking a placebo for treating hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms, many individuals report vast improvements; therefore, it may be worthwhile talking to a doctor about whether it is safe to try EPO or another form of GLA to alleviate problems.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - although studies show mixed results, many women find PMS symptoms are relieved when using GLA supplements. The symptoms that seem to respond the best are breast tenderness and swelling/bloating from fluid retention, as well as feelings of depression and irritability.
Osteoporosis - a deficiency in essential fatty acids in general can lead to severe bone loss. Studies have shown that supplements of GLA and EPA together help maintain or increase bone mass. Essential fatty acids may also enhance calcium absorption, increase calcium deposits in bones, diminish calcium loss in urine and improve and enhance bone strength/growth, all of which may contribute to improved bone mass.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Some preliminary information indicates that GLA, from EPO, borage oil, or black currant seed oil, may diminish joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. GLA may also allow for a reduction in the amount of pain medication used by those with rheumatoid arthritis, although studies to date have been small in size.
Eczema - several early studies suggest that EPO is beneficial at relieving symptoms associated with this skin condition, including itching, redness, and scaling. More recent studies have not had the same positive results, although whether EPO and GLA supplements work or not may differ in individual cases, and it is worth investigating to alleviate the condition.
Allergies - people who are prone to allergies often have difficulty converting LA to GLA and may require more essential fatty acids. Women and infants who are prone to allergies have been shown to have lower levels of GLA in breast milk and blood. The use of EFA’s to prevent allergic reactions or reduce their magnitude has had mixed results. There have been some reports of individuals lessening their allergic reaction by taking GLA from EPO - Omega-6 fatty acids from the diet or supplements, such as EPO, have a longstanding history of folk use for allergies. Whether this supplement improves symptoms, therefore, may be very individual.
Alcoholism - EPO may help lessen cravings for alcohol and prevent liver damage.
Cancer - Results of studies focusing on the relationship omega-6 fatty acids have to cancer have been mixed. While LA and AA are cancer promoting in studies of colon, breast, and other cancers, GLA has shown some benefit for breast cancer in certain studies.
High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease - Studies on animals suggest that GLA, either alone or in combination with two important omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, may lower blood pressure and help to prevent the development of heart disease in addition. It is as yet unclear whether these benefits would also relate to humans.
In one study evaluating people with peripheral artery disease (blockage in the blood vessels in the legs from atherosclerosis), there was an improvement in blood pressure from the combination of EPA and GLA.
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