What is gamma linolenic acid used for?
Gamma linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid. The body converts gamma linolenic acid to substances that reduce inflammation and cell growth. Uses & Effectiveness? Nerve damage due to diabetes (diabetic neuropathy).
Are there any risks in taking gamma linolenic acid?
Although gamma linolenic acid is generally considered safe, there's some concern that long-term use of supplements containing gamma linolenic acid may suppress immune function and increase the risk of blood clots. In addition, borage oil may cause constipation, while evening primrose oil may cause upset stomach and nausea.
Can gamma linolenic acid help with neuropathy?
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. Eczema.
Does gamma linolenic acid work for eczema?
Gamma linolenic acid seems to work better in people with good blood sugar control. Eczema. Most research shows that taking gamma linolenic acid by mouth does not improve itchy or dry skin in people with eczema. Scleroderma, a condition in which skin hardens. Taking gamma linolenic acid by mouth does not seem to reduce symptoms of scleroderma.
What foods contain gamma linolenic acid?
Dietary Sources GLA is found in the plant seed oils of evening primrose, black currant, borage, and fungal oils. Spirulina (often called blue green algae) also contains GLA.
How much GLA should I take daily?
Dosage. The dose is 360 mg/day of GLA from EPO (the most researched source of GLA, as opposed to borage oil or black currant oil), and it may be increased up to 480 mg/day.
What is the role of gamma linolenic acid?
Overview. Gamma linolenic acid is a fatty substance found in various plant seed oils such as borage oil and evening primrose oil. People use it as medicine. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is used for conditions that affect the skin including systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, and eczema.
Is gamma linolenic acid good for skin?
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is reportedly efficacious for treating TEWL and epidermal hyper-proliferation. In this study, to elucidate the effect of GLA-rich oil on skin function, GLA-containing food was given to adults with dry skin or mild atopic dermatitis and skin parameters were evaluated.
How long does it take for GLA to work?
(Doses this high can only be obtained from purified GLA, as one would need impractically high doses of evening primrose oil or borage oil to get enough). GLA should be taken with food. Full benefits (if there are any) may take more than 6 months to develop.
Does GLA cause weight gain?
In conclusion, GLA reduced weight regain in humans following major weight loss, suggesting a role for essential fatty acids in fuel partitioning in humans prone to obesity.
Does GLA reduce inflammation?
GLA has gained recognition over the last few decades for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer actions. Some key findings from controlled clinical trials include: In arthritics, several trials report that GLA reduced inflammation, symptoms, and the requirement for NSAIDs.
Is GLA good for hair?
GLA is believed to stimulate hair growth. The fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and improve hair health.
Is GLA the same as evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose oil extracted from plant seeds is usually sold in capsules. The supplement contains the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). People take evening primrose oil orally to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Does linolenic acid reduce inflammation?
Dietary α-Linolenic Acid Reduces Inflammatory and Lipid Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hypercholesterolemic Men and Women.
What foods are highest in linoleic acid?
The top sources of dietary linoleic acid in America include chicken and chicken dishes, grain-based desserts, salad dressing, potato and corn chips, pizza, bread, french fries and pasta dishes, according to the National Cancer Institute. Mayonnaise, eggs, popcorn and processed meats are also significant sources.
Is GLA good for menopause?
For Menopause, the omega-6 beneficial fat Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) frequently eases hot flashes, sleep disruption, irritability, and vaginal dryness in early menopause. Supplementing GLA stabilizes hormone-related symptoms and calms inflammation.
How long does gamma linolenic acid last?
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.
Does alpha lipoic acid help with back pain?
Insufficient Evidence for. Back pain. Early research shows that taking alpha-lipoic acid plus gamma linolenic acid and going to physical therapy improves back pain intensity better than only going to physical therapy. Breast cancer.
Is gamma linolenic acid safe?
Gamma linolenic acid is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in amounts of no more than 2.8 grams per day for up to a year. It can cause digestive-tract side effects, such as soft stools, diarrhea, belching, and intestinal gas. It can also make blood take longer to clot.
Does gamma linolenic acid lower blood pressure?
High blood pressure. Some research shows that taking gamma linolenic acid with eicosapentaenoic acid does not decrease modestly high blood pressure.
Does gamma linolenic acid help with eczema?
Eczema. Most research shows that taking gamma linolenic acid by mouth does not improve itchy or dry skin in people with eczema. Scleroderma, a condition in which skin hardens. Taking gamma linolenic acid by mouth does not seem to reduce symptoms of scleroderma.
Is gamma linolenic acid safe for pregnant women?
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking gamma linolenic acid if you are pregnant or breast-feeding . Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Can gamma linolenic acid cause seizures?
Taking gamma linolenic acid with phenothiazines might increase the risk of having a seizure in some people. Some phenothiazines include chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and others. Dosing.
What are the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on the cell membrane?
Unsaturated fatty acids are essential components of cell membranes and can influence receptors, enzymes, ion channels, and signal transduction pathways. They can influence numerous inflammatory ...
Why did Native Americans use GLA oil?
Some of these early therapeutic effects are thought to be because of GLA, which is found in high quantities in the oil.
What is the GLA family?
GLA falls into the latter family, known as omega-6 fatty acids. The actual location of the double bond significantly affects metabolism of the fatty acid, such that the structure and function of omega-3 derived eicosanoids differ from those derived from the omega-6 fatty acids (eg, arachidonic acid).
Does GLA help with asthma?
GLA also reduces the inflammation and overall severity of atopic dermatitis, while atopic disease in children often presents as bronchial asthma later in life. However, there have been no animal or clinical studies regarding the use of GLA for atopic bronchial asthma.
Does GLA help with neuropathy?
Diabetes mellitus. GLA has been studied as for its possible benefits for diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic patients have abnormalities of essential fatty acid metabolism, and therefore require higher amounts of essential fatty acids.
Does GLA help with heart disease?
These effects suggest that GLA may contribute to cardiovascular protection.
Does GLA help with atopic skin?
Clinical studies have demonstrated consistent and progressive improvement of neuropathies when treated with GLA. Atopic diseases/Asthma/Psoriasis. GLA has been shown in clinical studies to reduce itching, redness, and toughness of atopic skin.
Where can I find gamma linolenic acid?
It is also found in oat, barley, spirulina and the much maligned Dorian fruit. But sources of Gamma Linolenic Acid aren’t the only things that are bountiful. The fatty acid’s benefits offer a wealth of health and wellness properties that make GLA just as prized today as it was when it was first introduced to the European continent so long ago.
How long does GLA help?
That’s one reason many sufferers are turning to GLA for aid. Studies have shown that regular dosing for the long term (6-12 months) can not only reduce symptoms of but can actually prevent nerve damage. Results seem to be better for diabetics who already have their blood sugar under control.
What is GLA in Native American medicine?
Long before European settlers had permeated the New World, Native American tribes had already uncovered the powerful secrets behind Gamma Linolenic Acid, or GLA. Of course, that’s not what they called it at the time, but tribes were cultivating one of the earliest known sources, evening primrose, and processing it into powerful medicine ...
Where can I find GLA?
As scientific knowledge advanced, GLA was identified as an Omega-6 fatty acid and it was learned that it could be found in a number of natural sources beyond evening primrose oil. Black currant, borage, fungal and hemp seed oil are just a few of them. It is also found in oat, barley, spirulina and the much malign ed Dorian fruit.
Is gamma linolenic acid good for dry eyes?
Gamma Linolenic Acid can be a great ally in the fight against chronically dry eyes . In a study release in 2013, GLA was combined with Omega-3 fatty acids in an effort to provide scientific proof that the active components could be a powerful weapon in the fight against chronic dry eye in 38 postmenopausal test subjects.
Does GLA cure cancer?
Let us be clear – GLA will NOT “cure” cancer. However, with that said, there has been some very promising animal research that has scientifically shown that gamma linolenic acid can not only slow the growth of some tumors, but can also increase the power of some existing anti-cancer drugs and medications.
Is GLA a miracle cure?
With a nickname like the King’s Cure All, it’s important to understand that while GLA has been hailed as a miracle cure, it’s important to separate the truth from the myths.
Where can I find gamma linolenic acid?
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid mainly found in plant seeds. Although sometimes called essential, you don’t need to get it from food since your body can make it from linoleic acid [ 1 +, 2 +].
How does linoleic acid work?
How It Works. The body takes the linoleic acid obtained from food and turns it into GLA. Next, GLA is transformed into a longer molecule (DGLA), which is stored in cell membranes [ 2 +]. DGLA stays in cell membranes until a signal triggers its release: inflammation, and an enzyme called phospholipase A2.
What is GLA in food?
Takeaway. Gamma-linoleic acid or GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid with potential anti-inflammatory benefits. You’ll find it in the seeds of several herbs with a long history of use, such as borage, black currant, and evening primrose. GLA may help you get rid of a few extra pounds, but the effect is modest.
What are the genes that make linoleic acid?
Genetics. Two genes are associated with GLA, FAD1 , and FAD2. These make the fatty acid desaturase enzymes that are involved in the conversion of linoleic acid into GLA. Genetic variations for certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for either one of these genes can lead to less GLA being produced in the body.
How does the body make GLA?
The body makes GLA from linoleic acid taken in through food. Most adults on a typical Western diet get enough linoleic acid from vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds [ 2 +]:
Why do people take GLA?
People take GLA for a variety of reasons: weight loss, rheumatoid arthritis, hair loss, dry eyes, skin health, PMS, and menopausal symptoms. Users were generally satisfied and reported improvements. Dissatisfied users mostly complained that the supplement didn’t work, most frequently in the case of weight loss.
Where can I find GLA?
GLA is found in small amounts in organ meat, especially liver, but its main sources are seed oils of [ 1 +]: Babies usually get enough fatty acids from breast milk, which contains both GLA (0.1-0.9%) and linoleic acid (6-17%) [ 10 +].
The Health Benefits of GLA
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid that resolves cellular stress similar to an omega-3 fatty acid
GLA: The Omega-6 that Identifies as an Omega-3
GLA is the black sheep of the omega-6 family. In fact, if the two PUFA families were ever to face off on Family Feud, there’s a good chance GLA would find themself on the omega-3 team. This is because, despite deriving from omega-6 LA, GLA and most of its metabolites work to resolve cellular stress rather than promote it. 6
GLA and EPA: Better Together
Not to rain on the GLA parade, but there is a slight drawback to supplementation. If you refer to the figure, you see that its product, DGLA, can form AA. This means that increases in DGLA will typically cause an increase in AA. However, an effective way to reduce the amount of AA synthesized from DGLA is to combine GLA with the omega-3 EPA.
Dietary GLA: Where to find it
Wondering if you need to add some GLA to your life? While the only real way to determine your GLA status is through fatty acid panel testing, research tells us that specific individual factors can make an individual more susceptible to low GLA-status.
How long can you take GLA?
However, GLA is safer when taken orally for a period not exceeding 18 months in recommended doses. Long-term use of GLA (approximately) 36 months is considered safe. In treating high cholesterol levels, up to 6 grams daily can be recommended. Doses of about 2.8 grams are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Universal dosages of GLA range between 500 and 1000 milligrams daily. Alternatively, GLA can be found as a intravenous preparation although injections can only be carried out in the presence of a qualified physician or a pharmacist. GLA is not recommendable during pregnancy since there are no comprehensive scientific researches.
Can you take GLA if you are allergic to it?
Do not take GLA supplements if you are allergic or sensitive to it. But currently, there have been no reported cases of allergies or hypersensitivity. Since it is considered nontoxic, you can tolerate GLA up to 18 months. Potential side effects include bloated stomach, belching, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. High levels of GLA supplementation has been reported to produce increased levels of arachidonic acid. Long-term use can lead to changes in the blood causing increased bleeding time.
Can GLA be taken with anticoagulants?
If you take GLA along with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, your bleeding time can become extended. Such drugs include aspirin, anticoagulants, NSAIDS, and anti-platelet. GLA can increase the efficiency of some antibiotic drugs, against a host of bacterial infections. However, GLA can alter the effects of some anti-cancer treatments, calling the need for extra caution.
What is gamma linolenic acid?
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a special type of fat in the omega-6 family. We need a proper balance of essential fatty acids from omega-6 in our body to thrive. Think of GLA as an activated form of omega-6 that nourishes your cells and decreases inflammation and without it, things don’t work properly.
What is GLA in fat burning?
GLA is one of the right kinds to turn on your body’s fat burning network. GLA makes a certain kind of prostaglandin (a fat that works like a hormone) to activate the metabolism. (3) Through this messaging network, GLA revs up fat burning and boosts energy.
How much GLA should I take a day?
Whichever form is right for you, an effective dose can range from 300-1000mg per day. GLA is safe for teens and adults. For more specific information on your personal health history, consider coming in to talk with one of our nutritionist and dieticians to learn more. References:
What is the most effective GLA?
GLA can be most effective for these three things: Skin: The integumentary system (skin, hair, nails, and glands) is your largest organ. It’s made up of countless cells that rely on essential fatty acid content of GLA to stay resilient and supple, inside and out.
Does GLA help with dermatitis?
It’s made up of countless cells that rely on essential fatty acid content of GLA to stay resilient and supple, inside and out. Cracking skin, dry hair and brittle nails may indicate you need more fats like GLA. If you’re dealing with dermatitis, you will be happy to know that GLA is an effective treatment for some.
Does GLA help with PMS?
Keeping your blood sugar low and taking the right dose of GLA may help to correct essential fatty acid imbalances associated with PMS and menopausal symptoms. In our nutritional counseling, we have seen evening primrose oil to be helpful for younger women and borage oil for women after age thirty.
What is the role of linoleic acid in the body?
It serves as a substrate for the synthesis of local hormones, like prostaglandins, that are responsible for many biochemical processes. Eating foods high in linoleic acid, but keeping the proper balance with omega-3 foods, can help to boost cardiovascular health, brain function, immunity, skin health and bone strength.
What are the functions of linoleic acid?
These are “local hormones” that serve as mediators of many biochemical processes, like the regulation of blood pressure, blood lipid levels, immune function, blood clotting, inflammation and reproduction. ( 1) Linoleic acid is also an important structural component of cell membranes and affects cell membrane properties like fluidity, ...
How many grams of linoleic acid are in a tablespoon?
Here’s a general breakdown of linoleic acid foods and oils and h0w many grams are in a serving, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service: Safflower oil: 10 grams in 1 tablespoon.
Why is linoleic acid important for the reproductive system?
Because linoleic acid contains essential components of all cell membranes, it can influence reproductive processes and alter the production of prostaglandins. Plus, the reproductive system requires a high polyunsaturated fatty acid content to provide plasma membranes with the fluidity that’s essential at fertilization.
Why is it easy to consume too much linoleic acid?
It’s easy to consume too much linoleic acid because these oils are typically used to make processed foods, which are eaten too often in Western societies. However, when linoleic acid and other omega-6s are consumed in combination with omega-3 fatty acids, these foods have health benefits.
How does linoleic acid convert to cla?
Microbes in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants (like grass-fed beef and lamb) convert linoleic acid into CLA through a process called biohydrogenation. CLA is structurally similar to linoleic acid, with the only difference being the location of their two double bonds.
What is linoleic acid?
It is a substrate for the synthesis of physiological regulators that are called eicosanoids , including prostaglandins , prosta cyclins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes.
Possible Side Effects
- Gamma-linolenic acid is generally considered safe for use. Common side effects, which can particularly occur when first starting treatment, include: 1. Belching 2. Flatulence 3. Soft stools 4. Diarrhea Symptoms tend to be mild and gradually resolve on their own as the body adapts to tre…
Dosage and Preparation
- Most GLA supplements are available as soft gelatin capsules with doses ranging from 240 to 300 mg per capsule. There are no universal guidelines for the appropriate use of gamma-linolenic acid. Dosages of up to 1,800 mg have been used with few notable side effects for up to 18 months in adults.1 It should not be assumed that everyone needs such high doses of GLA or t…
What to Look For
- Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States, making it hard to know which brands are good and which fall short. To better ensure quality and safety, opt for brands that have been voluntarily submitted for testing by an independent certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab. Buying GLA supplements can often b…
Other Questions
- I saw "linoleic acid" on a supplement label. Is that the same thing as GLA? No. Most omega-6 fatty acids are derived from vegetable oilsin the form of linoleic acid (LA). Once ingested, your body converts the LA to GLA, which is then converted into arachidonic acid and broken down into prostaglandins. Do not confuse linoleic acid with gamma-linolenicacid. The amount of linoleic a…
Benefits Backed by Science
Benefits Backed by Tradition
- Although there is a lot of increased scientific exploration into the powers and properties of GLA, these studies are still in their relative infancy. Because of this, it’s important to recognize the traditional and folk applications of Gamma Linolenic Acid that still continue to this day. While the jury is still out (or the results are inconclusive) for the following benefits believed to be gained fr…
Know The Risks – Not Just The Rewards
- As promising as the benefits of GLA are, it’s important to understand that like all things, there are potential risks and side effects you should be aware of. Most of the potential side effects are fairly minimal, and include constipation, nausea and general upset stomach. GLA supplementing is also not recommended for those who suffer from seizure ...