Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Molecular Structure
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is a non-essential Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid. It is classified as non-essential because it can be produced in the body from Linoleic Acid (LA). However, for many, the LA to GLA pathway is disrupted and Linoleic Acid is over-converted to undesirable pro-inflammatory compounds called Leukotrienes. GLA benefits the body by quelling chronic inflammation. Thus, for those combating inflammatory diseases, direct supplementation with GLA is preferable to LA. Gamma-Linolenic Acid occurs naturally in seeds such as Hemp, Blackcurrant and Borage.
Many health professionals recognize the beneficial effects of supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids while failing to caution against overconsumption of Omega-6 fatty acids. Unless you pay attention to your Omega-6 intake, chances are you are getting far too much in your diet. To add insult to injury they are often the wrong type of Omega-6 fatty acids and most times have been damaged by excessive heat. Thus, you may want to consider adjusting the ratio and types of fatty acids you are ingesting to get to the root cause of your aches and pains. From The National Institute of Health: “Inflammation plays an important role in health and disease. Most of the chronic diseases of modern society, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. have inflammatory component. At the same time, the link between diet and disease is also being recognized. Amongst dietary constituents, fat has gained most recognition in affecting health. Saturated and trans fatty acids have been implicated in obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) generally have a positive effect on health. The PUFAs of omega-3 and omega-6 series play a significant role in health and disease by generating potent modulatory molecules for inflammatory responses, including eicosanoids (prostaglandins, and leukotrienes), and cytokines (interleukins) and affecting the gene expression of various bioactive molecules.”
The Health Benefits of Gamma-Linolenic Acid:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• May lower Blood Pressure and thus may be useful for those suffering from Hypertension.
• The severity of Raynaud’s Disease can be reduced by supplementation.
• Enhances Prostaglandin E1 production.
• May inhibit Aldosterone production lowering Blood Pressure.
EYES
• Combined with Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 may improve tear production in those suffering from Dry Eyes.
• Can prevent Dry Eyes that occur as a result of Sjogren Syndrome.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• GLA may be useful for the prevention/treatment of the following Cancers:
▪ Breast
▪ Gliomas
▪ Liver
▪ Neuroblastoma
▪ Prostate
• Helps protect DNA from damage due to exposure to Gamma-Rays.
• Suppresses Inflammation.
• May inhibit the production/activity of Leukotriene B4, Leukotriene C4 and Prostaglandin E2.
METABOLISM
• Combined with Linoleic Acid (LA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) helps improve symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
• Helps prevent Insulin Resistance.
• Helps reduce Alcohol-induced Liver damage.
• May help prevent Fatty Liver.
• Can help stimulate weight loss in persons afflicted with Obesity.
• Diabetes Mellitus patients are unable to produce the Delta-6 Desaturase enzyme used to convert LA to GLA, thus supplementation is advantageous to these patients.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• Used consistently for 12 months, can improve the condition of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients by increasing the body’s production of anti-inflammatory Series 1 Prostaglandins.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• It has been speculated that Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder patients have a defect in their ability to covert Linoleic Acid (LA) to GLA. Therefore, direct supplementation may be of benefit to AD/HD patients.
• May alleviate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Supplementation reduces the frequency, severity and duration of Migraine headaches by up to 86%.
• Multiple Sclerosis patients have an impaired ability to convert LA to GLA, thus direct supplementation is beneficial.
• Can improve symptoms of diabetic Neuropathy.
• May stimulate the differentiation of Oligodendroglia and enhance their function.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Female)
• May alleviate Mastalgia (Painful breasts).
• Symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome can be reduced by supplementation.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Male)
• Can alleviate Male Infertility.
• Can inhibit the production/activity of 5-Alpha Reductase.
SKIN
• Acne may be improved by supplementation.
• Helps to improve Dry Skin.
• May alleviate Atopic Eczema.
• Helps reduce Itching.
• Useful in the treatment of Scleroderma.
• Helps to improve overall Skin health.
• Erythema may be reduced by supplementation.
• Can reduce symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis.
GLA Benefits the Body by Quelling Chronic Inflammation
USAGE
The usual therapeutic dose of GLA ranges from 500mg to 1,500mg daily. When using GLA for Cancer prevention/treatment one should use the purified form of GLA to bypass potential defects in Fatty Acid metabolism. Other sources of GLA such as Borage or Primrose Oil contain other Fatty Acids which may be poorly metabolized depending on your personal body chemistry. If you are good health and wish to use GLA for skin health or symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome these alternate sources of GLA are usually adequate and more cost effective.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
• Persons suffering from Epilepsy, or any other seizure disorder should NOT supplement with GLA.
My Personal Recommendations:
Gamma-Linolenic Acid – 190mg (Borage Oil)
Gamma-Linolenic Acid – 400mg (Purified)
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