GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid)

GLA is a polyunsaturated fat, found in evening primrose oil, borage (starflower) oil and blackcurrant seed oil, that is used to treat a number of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
The human body also manufactures its own supply of GLA from linoleic acid, which is abundant in vegetable oils and meats.
In the body, linoleic acid is converted first to GLA and then to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA is essential for the production of prostaglandin E1, an important hormone-like chemical that reduces inflammation, boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure, keeps platelets from sticking together, and improves blood vessel tone.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at converting linoleic acid to GLA and therefore less efficient at producing the beneficial prostaglandins. Several diseases, including cancer, eczema, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes, also make the conversion less efficient. GLA supplements have the potential to aggravate symptoms unless balanced with omega-3 oils like the EPA and DHA found in fish oils.
GLA supplements are commonly used for cardiovascular health, PMS, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, and eczema. For the last two-rheumatoid arthritis and eczema-there are numerous scientific articles supporting the value of GLA.
In one promising study, 56 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to take 2,800 milligrams a day of either GLA or a sunflower oil placebo for six months. Researchers discovered that the patients taking GLA were more than six times more likely to have significant improvement in their symptoms, especially tender joints. Patients who weren't getting GLA did not show any significant improvement. In fact, they were more than three times more likely to have their symptoms worsen. For another six-month period, all of the patients in the study received GLA, and all showed improvement in their symptoms.
GLA supplements, like most supplements, should be taken after a meal.
Do not use GLA supplements without the supervision of a physician if you are taking aspirin or anticoagulants (blood thinners) regularly, have a seizure disorder, or are taking epilepsy medication such as phenothiazines. Do not take borage oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. May cause headaches, indigestion, nausea, and softening of stools.
GLA comforts such as irritability, bloating, breast soreness, and depression occur before and during menstruation in many women.
Of the three oils, evening primrose has been the most studied, primarily in England, where it is an approved medical treatment for breast pain and eczema. Borage oil is the most concentrated source of GLA, however, which means that you have to take fewer capsules to get the same therapeutic benefits.
Borage oil can come in 1,000-milligram capsules containing 240 milligrams of GLA, which falls within the range of the standard therapeutic daily dose of 180 to 320 milligrams. Each 500-milligram capsule of evening primrose oil contains 45 milligrams of GLA, so taking five a day would give you almost the amount provided in one capsule of borage oil.