Gamma-linoleic acid, or GLA, is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid prominently found in plant oils. According to "The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals," your body requires both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for brain function and normal growth and development. GLA can also facilitate skin and hair growth, support your reproductive system, sustain bone health and regulate metabolism. You should speak with a medical professional before consuming any GLA supplement.
GLA and High Blood Pressure
According to "Healthy Fats for Life: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Essential Fatty Acids," GLA may reduce high blood pressure when taken alone or with eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid. In cases of borderline high blood pressure or narrowing of the blood vessels, supplementation with GLA may reduce systolic blood pressure levels. However, clinical studies have not confirmed this theory, and further research is required to determine the exact effect GLA has on blood pressure.
GLA and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," children with ADHD often have lower levels of the essential fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3. Your body requires essential fatty acids to support fundamental brain and behavioral functions. GLA supplementation may reduce some of the symptoms associated with ADHD in children by increasing the level of essential fatty acids in the body. Again, clinical evidence has not supported this hypothesis, and further studies are needed to fully understand how GLA affects ADHD.
GLA, Inflammation and Cancer
Your body typically converts a large portion of GLA into dihomon-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), a substance that fights inflammation. According to "The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals," to optimize the conversion of GLA into DGLA, your body requires nutrients such as zinc, vitamin C, B6, B3 and magnesium. Additionally, GLA may have cancer fighting properties. However, further studies are needed to confirm the cancer fighting effects of this supplement.
GLA and Other Benefits
According to "Healthy Fats for Life: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Essential Fatty Acids," GLA can also reduce the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. Some doctors also propose using GLA to treat the symptoms associated with menopause, diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies and eczema. Again, further studies are required to confirm the purported benefits of using GLA supplements.
References
- "Natural Treatments for Diabetes"; Kathi Head M.D.;2000
- "The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals"; Mary Dan Eades; 2000
- "Healthy Fats for Life: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Essential Fatty Acids"; Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe and Karlene Karst; 2004
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
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