Borage oil, also known as starflower oil, is a good source of the omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid, commonly called GLA. Omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function, normal growth and development, skin and hair growth, and metabolism. Borage oil and GLA supplements may be helpful for some health conditions but should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the joints, can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in loss of function, chronic pain, and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks itself. Typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling and stiffness. According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million Americans.
In a study published in a 1993 issue of the "Annals of Internal Medicine," researchers studied the affect of GLA on patients suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. The team found that 1.4 g of GLA daily for 24 weeks was a well-tolerated and effective treatment for active rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers should consult a doctor before taking any GLA supplements.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy, a serious complication of diabetes, occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to nerves. Nerves throughout the body can be damaged but most commonly it affects the nerves in the legs and feet. Diabetic neuropathy causes numbness and pain in the extremities, which for some may be mild but for other sufferers can be extremely painful and disabling.
In a study published in a 1993 issue of "Diabetes Care," researchers found that 480 mg daily of GLA for a year had a beneficial effect on diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic patients should only take GLA under the guidance of a health care professional.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome, commonly called ARDS, is a life threatening lung condition that leads to low oxygen levels in the blood. People usually have major injuries or are ill with another disease and in hospital when they develop ARDS.
In a study published in a 1999 issue of "Critical Care," researchers found that GLA from borage oil when used orally in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid from fish oil helped to reduce the number of days in the intensive care unit and the duration of ventilator requirement in patients with ARDS. GLA should only be taken by ARDS sufferers with a doctor's consent.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "Annals of Internal Medicine,": Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gammalinolenic acid: Leventhal LJ, Boyce EG, Zurier RB: 1993
- Mayo Clinic: Diabetic neuropathy.
- "Diabetes Care": Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. The gamma-Linolenic Acid Multicenter Trial Group: Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al: 1993
- "Critical Care": Effect of enteral feeding with eicosapentaenoic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and antioxidants in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Enteral Nutrition in ARDS Study Group: Gadek JE, DeMichele SJ, Karlstad MD, et al: 1999
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