Gamma-linolenic acid (gla)
Scientific names: Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Alternate names: 18:3n-6, Acide Gammalinolénique, Acide Gamma-Linolénique, Ácido Gama Linolénico, AGL, Gammalinolenic Acid, Gamma Linolenic Acid, Gamolenic Acid, GLA
Actions: Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Neurologic/CNS
Background
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid. It's found in various plant seed oils such as borage oil and evening primrose oil.
Omega-6 fatty acids such as GLA are found everywhere in the body. They help with the function of all cells. The body converts GLA to substances that have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
People use GLA for eczema, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, nerve pain related to diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Don't confuse GLA with black currant, borage, or evening primrose oil. These seeds contain GLA but are not the same. Also don't confuse GLA with other omega-6 fatty acids or other sources of omega-6 fatty acids such as flaxseed oil.
Omega-6 fatty acids such as GLA are found everywhere in the body. They help with the function of all cells. The body converts GLA to substances that have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
People use GLA for eczema, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, nerve pain related to diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Don't confuse GLA with black currant, borage, or evening primrose oil. These seeds contain GLA but are not the same. Also don't confuse GLA with other omega-6 fatty acids or other sources of omega-6 fatty acids such as flaxseed oil.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: GLA is possibly safe when used in doses of up to 2.8 grams daily for up to one year. It can cause side effects such as soft stools, diarrhea, belching, and gas.
Bleeding disorders: GLA might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Surgery: GLA might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking GLA at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if GLA is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Bleeding disorders: GLA might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Surgery: GLA might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking GLA at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). Taking GLA by mouth might reduce symptoms of nerve damage in people with nerve pain due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes. GLA seems to work better in people with well-controlled blood sugar.
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Taking GLA by mouth does not improve itchy or dry skin in people with eczema.
Dosing & administration
GLA has most often been used by adults in doses of 320-480 mg by mouth daily for up to one year. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
GLA might slow blood clotting. Taking GLA along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: GLA might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Products
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Per capsule:
- Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) 300 mg equiv. gLA 30 mg
- Total Omega-3 triglycerides 465 mg
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 279 mg
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 87 mg
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Per capsule:
- Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) oil 200 mg equiv. gLA 20 mg
- Sodium ascorbate (Vitamin C) 33.75 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 30 mg
- d-alpha-Tocopherol 20.12 mg equiv. vitamin E 30 IU
- Silica - colloidal anhydrous 30 mg
- Omega 3 triglycerides 60 mg
- Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A) 1.38 mg equiv. retinol 750 µg RE
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 10 mg equiv. pyridoxine 8.23 mg
- Cholecalciferol 10 µg equiv. vitamin D3 400 IU
- Biotin 1.25 mg
- Selenomethionine 124 µg equiv. selenium 50 µg
- Zinc amino acid chelate 37.5 mg equiv. zinc 7.5 mg
- Demineralised fish proteoglycan extract (Selachii) 125 mg
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Per capsule:
- Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) oil 100 mg equiv. gLA 10 mg
- Total Omega-3 triglycerides 155 mg
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 93 mg
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 29 mg
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Per capsule (Strawberry):
- Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) oil 100 mg equiv. gLA 10 mg
- Total Omega-3 triglycerides 155 mg
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 93 mg
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 29 mg
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1 kg
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This monograph was last reviewed on 12/04/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 25/07/2022 06:41:34. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
