Gamma linolenic acid, GLA, is an omega-6 essential fatty acid the body needs but cannot create so it must be consumed in the diet or converted from other omega-6 fatty acids such as linolenic acid, LA. Not all omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial to the body and not everyone can efficiently convert LA to GLA.
The average American diet exceeds the required amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, yet it is still possible to have low levels of GLA within the body. Low levels are attributed to a reduced capacity to convert LA to GLA, which is associated with diabetes, aging, alcoholism, atopic dermatitis, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease. GLA creates prostaglandin, which is a hormone-like substance that affects the skin, joints, cholesterol levels and inflammation, and enhances the immune system. Supplementation with GLA may be an option for those who are not efficient at conversion.
Conversion
LA converts to GLA within the body that then converts to arachidonic acid, or AA, which often promotes inflammation within the body. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that LA and AA promote inflammation, whereas GLA may reduce inflammation. GLA taken as a supplement is converted to dihomo-y-linolenic acid, DGLA, which competes against AA to prevent inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties suggest that GLA may be effective in treating chronic diseases.
Supplementation
GLA supplements are made from black currant seed oil, borage seed oil and evening primrose oil. High-quality oil is refrigerated, packaged in light-resistant containers and marked with a freshness date. Having adequate supplies of vitamins C, B-3, B-6, magnesium and zinc assist in a more efficient conversion of GLA to DGLA. Potential side effects and drug interactions exist, so talk to your health care provider about taking supplemental GLA.
Ongoing Research
At the time of publication, the American Cancer Society states that much of the research on GLA supplements has been done on primrose oil, which contains linoleic acid and vitamin E, making it difficult to credit any effects to GLA alone. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of supplemental GLA on human diseases.
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