Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA): The Many Benefits Revealed

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Along with providing information on whether Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on professional-grade supplements.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid, commonly known as GLA, is an essential fatty acid found in various plant-based oils. You may not hear about it as often as other fatty acids like Omega-3, but GLA offers its own set of unique health benefits. From supporting skin health to reducing inflammation, GLA supplements have a lot to offer. This article dives into the science behind these benefits to help you understand why GLA might be a good addition to your daily routine.

What Is Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)?

Gamma-Linolenic Acid, or GLA, is an essential fatty acid that your body can’t produce on its own. It belongs to the Omega-6 family and is commonly found in plant-based oils like borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant seed oil. Unlike some other fatty acids, GLA plays a specialized role in the body. It serves as a building block for important substances that help regulate inflammation and cell growth. Because you can’t make GLA naturally, getting it through supplements or your diet becomes crucial for tapping into its health benefits. This section will help you understand how GLA works and why it’s worthy of your attention.

What Are the Benefits of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)?

• Hormonal Balance: GLA may help regulate hormones.
  • PMS/PMDD: Evening primrose oil has had some positive studies showing improvement in PMS. [PMC6718646]
  • Menopause:
    • Mood Swings: Researchers gave 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil capsules daily or matching placebo for 8 weeks to 189 women. They concluded that evening primrose oil for the psychological symptoms of postmenopausal women. [PMID: 31738736]
• Skin Health: GLA supports healthy skin by promoting moisture retention and reducing inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like eczema and dry skin.
  • Rosacea Treatment: Researchers have found that GLA is an effective add on treatment for Rosacea. [PMC7875229]
  • Eczema: Researchers found that when they gave Evening Primrose Oil 4–6 grams daily for 12 weeks, their atopic dermatitis scores decreased. [PMC3930832]
  • Dry Skin: GLA-enriched food appears to be safe and to improve skin barrier function in subjects with dry skin conditions and mild atopic dermatitis. [PMID: 22123240]
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: GLA’s anti-inflammatory properties can ease joint pain and stiffness, possibly benefiting conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. [PMC5409664]
• Diabetic Neuropathy Prevention/Treatment: Researchers compared GLA to ALA and concluded that GLA treatment in patients with painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy was non-inferior to ALA in terms of reducing pain intensity measured over 12 weeks. [PMC7453980]
• Anti-Inflammatory: GLA’s anti-inflammatory properties have a broad range of potential benefits, from reducing skin irritation to easing arthritis symptoms. [PMID: 17168669]
• Brain Health: GLA may play a role in maintaining brain function and supporting cognitive health.
  • ADHD: Researchers report that the addition of GLA to EPA and DHA supplementation may work synergistically to improve brain function in ADHD. [PMC9416383]
  • Cognitive Decline: In animal models of glycation induced memory decline, GLA reduced the negative effect of excessive fructose. [PMC7012036]
• May Improve Quality of Life in MS Patients: One study reported “a significant effect on several important aspects of life quality such as the increase of cognitive function, vitality, and overall life satisfaction. It also reduced the pain and fatigue in comparison to the placebo.” [PMC6003444]
• Improved Maintenance of Weight Loss: GLA may help regulate metabolism and support healthy weight management. Researchers studied people who had lost weight giving them either 5 g Borage oil or an Olive oil placebo. They concluded, “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.” [PMID: 17513402]
• Allergies: Some individuals find relief from allergy symptoms, like itching and inflammation, with GLA supplementation.[PMC10421109]

Evening Primrose In Women’s Health

Best Sources Of GLA

Evening Primrose Oil: Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis). It’s a popular source of GLA and typically contains about 7-10% GLA. What sets it apart is its relatively mild flavor and versatility; it can be used both topically and orally. People often turn to evening primrose oil for conditions like eczema, menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Borage Oil: Extracted from the seeds of the borage (Borago officinalis) plant, borage oil is one of the richest sources of GLA, containing 20-23%. It has a stronger taste compared to evening primrose oil and is often considered more potent due to its higher GLA content. Borage oil is particularly noted for its ability to improve skin health and reduce inflammation.

Black Currant Seed Oil: This oil comes from the seeds of the black currant (Ribes nigrum) plant and contains around 15-20% GLA. Black currant seed oil is unique because it also offers a healthy dose of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), another beneficial fatty acid. This dual action makes it versatile, and it is often used to improve immune function and reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

GLA, AGE’s, and Brain Function

As we get older, our thinking and memory can start to decline. One theory suggests that this happens because of something called “advanced glycation end products” (AGEs), which increase in our bodies as we age. These AGEs are formed when proteins or fats in our body react with sugar without the help of enzymes. Think fried foods and a high sugar diet. Research has shown that eating a lot of carbohydrates, especially fructose, can lead to more AGEs and memory problems.

AGEs can cause problems by activating something called “receptor for advanced glycation end products” (RAGEs), which triggers inflammation and oxidative stress. This, in turn, can make our body functions decline.

Some studies suggest that eating fats like GLA, which are polyunsaturated fatty acids, can be good for our memory and thinking. GLA is also included in anti-aging supplements because it might help with age-related issues. We can make some GLA from linoleic acid, which is in vegetable oil. GLA can be turned into other fats like dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA), which have many roles in our bodies.

An animal study aiming to find out how GLA affects AGEs and memory problems related to aging found that GLA treatment improved memory in animals that were given high fructose diets.

Additionally, they found that GLA reversed the increase in HbA1c levels caused by high fructose intake. Higher HbA1c levels have been linked to memory problems in human studies.

Furthermore, data suggested that GLA may interact with RAGE and possibly reduce the negative effects of AGEs on oxidative stress and memory. The researchers concluded that GLA, especially at lower doses, shows promise in improving memory and countering the negative effects of glycation, possibly making it a candidate for addressing memory-related conditions associated with AGEs. [PMC7012036]

Is Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Safe?

When it comes to safety, GLA supplements generally have a good track record. They are widely considered safe for most people when used in appropriate doses. Many studies have looked into the safety of GLA and found it to be well-tolerated, with minor side effects like digestive upset occurring only in rare cases. Importantly, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications. Overall, GLA supplements offer a safe way to access the fatty acid’s health benefits.

Medication Interactions with Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

• Blood Thinners: Medications like warfarin can interact with GLA, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Antiplatelet Drugs: Aspirin and clopidogrel are examples of antiplatelet drugs that could interact with GLA.
• Antihypertensive Drugs: Medications for lowering blood pressure, such as lisinopril or amlodipine, may interact with GLA.
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen could interact with GLA supplements.
• Phenothiazines: Antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine may interact with GLA, affecting how these drugs control seizures or schizophrenia symptoms.
• Diabetes Medications: Drugs like metformin or insulin could have interactions with GLA that affect blood sugar levels.
• Chemotherapy Drugs: Some medications used for cancer treatment, such as cisplatin, may interact with GLA.

Supplement Interactions with Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

• Fish Oil: Combining GLA with fish oil may affect how each supplement works in your body, particularly when it comes to inflammation control.
• Vitamin E: Taking Vitamin E along with GLA could affect how your body processes either supplement.
• Evening Primrose Oil: Since it already contains GLA, combining it with a GLA supplement may lead to excessive intake.
• Black Currant Seed Oil: Similar to evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil also has GLA, so combining the two could result in too much GLA in your system.
• Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed oil and GLA both have effects on inflammation, so combining them could lead to interactions.
• Borage Oil: This is another source of GLA, so taking it in addition to a GLA supplement could lead to excessive amounts.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 and GLA supplements may interact, affecting how each one works in your body.
• Turmeric: Because both turmeric and GLA have anti-inflammatory properties, combining them may result in interactions.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo can have blood-thinning effects, which could interact with the blood-thinning properties of GLA.

Order Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Online

To Sum It Up

Gamma-Linolenic Acid, or GLA, offers a range of health benefits worth exploring. From reducing inflammation to promoting better skin health, this essential fatty acid has a lot to offer. While it’s true that your body can’t produce GLA on its own, supplements provide an effective way to get this valuable nutrient into your system. Whether you’re new to the world of supplements or looking to expand your health regimen, GLA could be a valuable addition.

This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Supplement Sciences does not provide medical care and cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of any product for your personal use. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a serious health condition such as cancer, liver disease, or kidney disease. Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

UNREVISED DRAFT

Secure Ordering | Free Shipping | Best Quality | Best Prices

Along with providing information on whether Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on professional-grade supplements.

Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is an essential fatty acid found in plant oils such as evening primrose, borage, and black currant seed oil. While it’s not as commonly discussed as omega-3s, GLA plays its own role in supporting health. It’s known for its involvement in skin function, hormonal balance, and inflammation regulation. GLA is converted in the body to substances that help maintain healthy cell function and may be helpful for conditions linked to inflammation. This article looks at what the research says about GLA and how it may fit into a balanced supplement routine.

What Is Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)?

Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that the body cannot make on its own. It’s found in certain plant oils, including borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant seed oil. GLA is used by the body to produce compounds that help manage inflammation and support healthy cell function. Unlike other omega-6 fats that can sometimes promote inflammation, GLA is part of a different pathway that may help keep inflammation in balance. Since the body can’t create GLA, it must be obtained through food or supplements. Understanding its role can help you decide if it fits into your nutrition plan.

What Are the Benefits of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)?

• Hormonal Balance: GLA may help regulate hormones.
  • PMS/PMDD: Evening primrose oil has had some positive studies showing improvement in PMS. [PMC6718646]
  • Menopause:
    • Mood Swings: Researchers gave 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil capsules daily or matching placebo for 8 weeks to 189 women. They concluded that evening primrose oil for the psychological symptoms of postmenopausal women. [PMID: 31738736]
• Skin Health: GLA supports healthy skin by promoting moisture retention and reducing inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like eczema and dry skin.
  • Rosacea Treatment: Researchers have found that GLA is an effective add on treatment for Rosacea. [PMC7875229]
  • Eczema: Researchers found that when they gave Evening Primrose Oil 4–6 grams daily for 12 weeks, their atopic dermatitis scores decreased. [PMC3930832]
  • Dry Skin: GLA-enriched food appears to be safe and to improve skin barrier function in subjects with dry skin conditions and mild atopic dermatitis. [PMID: 22123240]
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: GLA’s anti-inflammatory properties can ease joint pain and stiffness, possibly benefiting conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. [PMC5409664]
• Diabetic Neuropathy Prevention/Treatment: Researchers compared GLA to ALA and concluded that GLA treatment in patients with painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy was non-inferior to ALA in terms of reducing pain intensity measured over 12 weeks. [PMC7453980]
• Anti-Inflammatory: GLA’s anti-inflammatory properties have a broad range of potential benefits, from reducing skin irritation to easing arthritis symptoms. [PMID: 17168669]
• Brain Health: GLA may play a role in maintaining brain function and supporting cognitive health.
  • ADHD: Researchers report that the addition of GLA to EPA and DHA supplementation may work synergistically to improve brain function in ADHD. [PMC9416383]
  • Cognitive Decline: In animal models of glycation induced memory decline, GLA reduced the negative effect of excessive fructose. [PMC7012036]
• May Improve Quality of Life in MS Patients: One study reported “a significant effect on several important aspects of life quality such as the increase of cognitive function, vitality, and overall life satisfaction. It also reduced the pain and fatigue in comparison to the placebo.” [PMC6003444]
• Improved Maintenance of Weight Loss: GLA may help regulate metabolism and support healthy weight management. Researchers studied people who had lost weight giving them either 5 g Borage oil or an Olive oil placebo. They concluded, “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.” [PMID: 17513402]
• Allergies: Some individuals find relief from allergy symptoms, like itching and inflammation, with GLA supplementation.[PMC10421109]

Evening Primrose In Women’s Health

Best Sources Of GLA

Evening Primrose Oil: Sourced from the seeds of the Oenothera biennis plant, this oil contains about 7–10% GLA. It has a mild taste and is commonly used both orally and topically. Evening primrose oil is often chosen for skin conditions like eczema and for managing menstrual or menopausal symptoms.

Borage Oil: Extracted from Borago officinalis seeds, borage oil is one of the most concentrated sources of GLA, typically providing 20–23%. It has a stronger flavor and is often used for its potential to support skin health and balance inflammation.

Black Currant Seed Oil: Made from Ribes nigrum seeds, this oil contains about 15–20% GLA and also includes alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), another beneficial fatty acid. This combination makes it a popular choice for immune support and for easing symptoms associated with joint discomfort.

GLA, AGE’s, and Brain Function

As we age, changes in memory and thinking are common. One explanation for this involves advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which build up in the body over time. These compounds form when sugars react with proteins or fats without enzymes. Diets high in sugar and fried foods can increase AGE levels, and research has linked high carbohydrate intake—especially fructose—with greater AGE formation and cognitive decline.

AGEs can activate receptors called RAGEs, which can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress—factors known to affect how the body and brain function with age.

Some studies suggest that polyunsaturated fats like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) may help support memory and cognitive health. GLA is included in some anti-aging supplements for its possible effects on age-related changes. The body can make GLA from linoleic acid found in vegetable oils, and GLA can be further converted into other fatty acids like DGLA and AA, which have different roles in the body.

Animal studies have looked at how GLA affects memory in the context of high-fructose diets. One study found that GLA improved memory and helped lower HbA1c levels—a marker often linked to both blood sugar control and memory concerns in humans.

There is also some evidence that GLA may interact with the RAGE pathway, potentially reducing the negative impact of AGEs on brain function. The researchers suggested that low-dose GLA may be helpful in supporting memory and reducing some of the effects associated with glycation.. [PMC7012036]

Is Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Safe?

GLA supplements are generally well tolerated when taken at standard doses. Most people can use them without issue, and studies have shown only occasional mild side effects such as digestive discomfort. As with any supplement, it’s best to talk with a healthcare provider before starting, especially for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. GLA offers a way to increase intake of this fatty acid through the diet or supplements, with a strong safety profile in most cases.

Medication Interactions with Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

• Blood thinners: Medications like warfarin may carry a higher risk of bleeding when taken with GLA.
• Antiplatelet drugs: Drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel may have added effects when combined with GLA.
• Blood pressure medications: Medications like lisinopril or amlodipine may be affected by GLA, possibly influencing blood pressure control.
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, may interact with GLA in ways that affect inflammation or bleeding risk.
• Phenothiazines: Antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine may interact with GLA, possibly altering how these drugs affect seizure thresholds or mental health symptoms.
• Diabetes medications: Drugs such as insulin or metformin may have their effects on blood sugar levels influenced by GLA.
• Chemotherapy drugs: Some cancer treatments, including cisplatin, may be affected by GLA, which could change how these medications work or how they are tolerated.

Supplement Interactions with Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

• Fish oil: When taken with GLA, both may influence how the body manages inflammation, possibly altering the effects of each.
• Vitamin E: Using vitamin E with GLA may change how either one is processed in the body.
• Evening primrose oil: Since it already contains GLA, combining it with a separate GLA supplement may lead to higher-than-needed intake.
• Black currant seed oil: Like evening primrose oil, this also contains GLA, so using both may result in excess.
• Flaxseed oil: Both flaxseed oil and GLA have roles in inflammation regulation, and using them together could affect how either functions.
• Borage oil: Another concentrated source of GLA, combining it with a separate GLA supplement may increase total intake beyond what is needed.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): There may be interactions that influence how the body handles either CoQ10 or GLA when taken together.
• Turmeric: Both turmeric and GLA influence inflammatory pathways, and taking them together could have overlapping effects.
• Ginkgo biloba: Since Ginkgo can affect blood clotting, combining it with GLA, which also may influence clotting, could raise the risk of bleeding.

Order Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Online

To Sum It Up

Gamma-Linolenic Acid, or GLA, offers a range of health benefits worth exploring. From reducing inflammation to promoting better skin health, this essential fatty acid has a lot to offer. While it’s true that your body can’t produce GLA on its own, supplements provide an effective way to get this valuable nutrient into your system. Whether you’re new to the world of supplements or looking to expand your health regimen, GLA could be a valuable addition.

This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Supplement Sciences does not provide medical care and cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of any product for your personal use. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a serious health condition such as cancer, liver disease, or kidney disease. Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.