Overview

Gamma linolenic acid is a fatty substance. It's found in various plant seed oils such as borage oil and evening primrose oil. People use it as medicine.

People use gamma linolenic acid (GLA) for conditions such as arthritis, nerve damage due to diabetes, eczema, high blood pressure, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Fatty substance

Primary Functions:

Arthritis, nerve damage

Also Known As:

Acide Gammalinolénique, Acide Gamma-Linolénique, Ácido Gama Linolénico

How Does It Work?

Gamma linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid. The body converts gamma linolenic acid to substances that reduce inflammation and cell growth.

Uses

• Nerve damage due to diabetes (diabetic neuropathy).Taking gamma linolenic acid by mouth for 6-12 months seems to reduce symptoms and prevent nerve damage in people with nerve pain due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Gamma linolenic acid seems to work better in people with good blood sugar control.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For nerve pain due to diabetes: 360 to 480 mg of gamma linolenic acid per day has been used.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of GLA?

GLA is essential for maintaining brain function, skeletal health, reproductive health, and metabolism. It's also essential for stimulating skin and hair growth. It's important to balance omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Is GLA supplement safe?

Supplemental GLA has been safely administered in clinical trials at oral doses of 2.8 grams per day or less, for up to a year (3-5). GLA-rich oils have also been commonly used in the U.S. for over 20 years, with no reports of serious adverse events or effects.

What is the best source of GLA?

The primary sources of GLA are borage, evening primrose, echium, black currant seed and hempseed. Of all these sources, borage contains the highest amount of naturally occurring GLA.

How much GLA should I take daily?

Whichever form is right for you, an effective dose can range from 300-1000mg per day. GLA is safe for teens and adults.

Is GLA anti inflammatory?

GLA: A Safe & Effective Anti-Inflammatory Omega-6 Fatty Acid. A recent review underscores the role of the fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) in modulating the inflammatory response (1). GLA has gained recognition over the last few decades for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer actions.

Does GLA increase estrogen?

This indicates that GLA has estrogen-like effects and suggests that GLA supplements may alleviate symptoms of menopause by overcoming low estrogen levels. Further research is needed to establish whether the same dose used in rats—10 milligrams per kilograms per day—might trigger the same effect in menopausal women.

What foods are high in GLA?

GLA is found in human milk and in small amounts in a wide variety of common foods, notably organ meats (Horrobin 1990). It is found in relatively high abundance in the plant seed oils of evening primrose (7–10 g/100 g GLA), blackcurrant (15–20 g/100 g GLA), borage (18–26 g/100 g GLA) and fungal oil (23–26 g/100 g GLA).

Is GLA a blood thinner?

Q: Can HydroEye be taken with Coumadin or other "blood thinning" medications?  Since platelets are involved in the process of forming clots, the GLA contained in HydroEye could theoretically increase the effects of anti-coagulant and anti-platelet medications such as Coumadin, Plavix or aspirin.

Is GLA good for weight loss?

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a special type of fat in the omega-6 family. GLA can be most effective for these three things: Skin – GLA promotes hydration and elasticity inside and out. Weight – GLA potentiates fat loss and increases energy.

Is GLA good for skin?

GLA nourishes your cells and decreases inflammation. Without it, your skin can suffer – but so too can hormones and metabolism, let us explain. GLA can be most effective for these three things: Skin – GLA promotes hydration and elasticity inside and out.

Does fish oil contain GLA?

It has been suggested that some people may not be able to efficiently convert the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid to GLA. Supplementing with GLA-containing oils may help increase GLA levels in the body. Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

What is the difference between CLA and GLA?

2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA is an attractive sedan with coupe-like styling. This means that it can turn heads on the highway or the city street. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA on the other hand combines the best features of a compact crossover and a hatchback.

How do I get GLA?

You can get GLA from several plant-based oils, including evening primrose oil (EPO), borage oil, and black currant seed oil. Most of these oils also contain some linoleic acid. A healthy diet contains a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

What is the use of GLA 120 capsules?

People use it as medicine. People use gamma linolenic acid (GLA) for conditions such as arthritis, nerve damage due to diabetes, eczema, high blood pressure, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

What is GLA deficiency?

Skin Issues, Just One Sign of a GLA Deficiency. In addition to those skin signals listed above, dry hair, bumps on the back of your arms and cracked fingertips are also signs that you may be deficient in GLA, part of the omega-6 essential fatty acid family that our bodies need to thrive.

What is GLA in primrose oil?

Evening primrose oil contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). GLA is the part of evening primrose oil that might slow blood clotting.

How much GLA is in spirulina?

Spirulina has 4 to 7% lipids, and most of these are essential fatty acids. Ten grams have 225 mg of EFA as linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Ten grams provide 8 to 14% DV, depending on sex and age group.

Clinical Studies