Geoffrey Leigh
MSc.,ND.D.N.Sc.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Also known as: GLA; Gamolenic Acid

Description
Gamma-Linolenic Acid is a non-essential (Omega-6) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (18:3w6) (18:3n6) which is normally manufactured within the body but which can also be obtained via the diet.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid normally comprises less than 0.13% of total fasting Red Blood Cell Fatty Acids.

View Gamma-Linolenic Acid's Metabolic Pathway

Health Benefits of Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Cardiovascular System
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may lower Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients. references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may reduce the severity of Raynaud’s Disease. references

Eyes/Vision
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (1,500 mg per day combined with Vitamin C and Vitamin B6) may improve tear production in cases of Dry Eyes: references

- Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be useful for the treatment of the Dry Eyes that occur in Sjogren Syndrome patients.

Immune System
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be useful for the treatment of Breast Cancer (it may inhibit a specific Oncogene that is responsible for up to 30% of all Breast Cancer cases). references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be useful for the treatment of Gliomas. references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may inhibit the further development of existing Liver Cancer. references

Gamma-Linolenic Acid may inhibit the further development of Neuroblastoma and may increase the effectivness of Vincristine for the treatment of Neuroblastoma. references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may inhibit the growth of Prostate Cancer cells. references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be useful for the treatment of the Dry Eyes that occur in Sjogren Syndrome patients. references

Metabolism
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (combined with Linoleic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) at a total dosage of 4,000 mg per day) may improve the condition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients. references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may help to prevent Insulin Resistance. references

Gamma-Linolenic Acid may protect the Liver from Alcohol-induced damage: [more info]

- GLA may help to prevent Alcohol-induced Fatty Liver. references

Gamma-Linolenic Acid may facilitate weight loss in persons afflicted with Obesity (this occurs via the following process: GLA converts to DGLA which converts to Prostaglandin E1 which stimulates the activity of Adenyl Cyclase resulting in increased levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP); increased cAMP subsequently leads to increased lipolysis). references

Musculoskeletal System
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (500 mg per day for at least 12 months) may improve the condition of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients (by increasing the body's production of anti-inflammatory Series 1 Prostaglandins). references

Nervous System
It has been speculated that Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) patients may have an impairment in their ability to convert Linoleic Acid to Gamma-Linolenic Acid (therefore direct supplementation with Gamma-Linolenic Acid-
containing dietary Oils may be useful for ADD patients). references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may alleviate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. references

Gamma-Linolenic Acid reduces the severity, frequency and duration of Migraine attacks by 86%. references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be beneficial for those Multiple Sclerosis patients who are unable to convert Linoleic Acid (LA) to GLA. references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (480 mg per day) may alleviate the symptoms of (diabetic) Neuropathy. references

Gamma-Linolenic Acid may stimulate the differentiation of Oligodendroglia and may enhance the function of Oligodendroglia. references

Sexual System
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (500 - 1,000 mg per day) may alleviate Male Infertility (according to anecdotal reports). [more info]
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may alleviate Mastalgia (painful breasts). [more info]
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may alleviate Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). references

Skin
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (consumed orally) may alleviate Acne. [more info]
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (applied topically or consumed orally) may alleviate Dry Skin (due to its ability to moisturize Skin). references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (550 mg per day) may alleviate atopic Eczema (due to its moisturizing effects). references

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (cream applied topically) may alleviate Itching. references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be useful for the treatment of Scleroderma. references
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may improve the health of the Skin.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid may Enhance the Function of these Substances
Lipids
Gamma-Linolenic Acid facilitates the production of Prostaglandin E1. references

Gamma-Linolenic Acid may Counteract these Potentially Toxic Substances
Electromagnetic Radiation

Gamma-Linolenic Acid may inhibit the ability of Gamma-Rays to cause genetic damage. references

Enzymes
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may inhibit the production/activity of 5-Alpha Reductase. references

Hormones
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may inhibit the production of Aldosterone. references

Recreational Drugs
Gamma-Linolenic Acid may protect the Liver from Alcohol-induced damage. references

- Gamma-Linolenic Acid may alleviate and prevent Hangovers (according to one non-peer reviewed study). references
- Many persons afflicted with Alcoholism are found to have sub-optimal Gamma-Linolenic Acid levels. references

These Substances may Enhance the Function of Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Enzymes
Delta-6 Desaturase catalyzes the conversion of Linoleic Acid to Gamma-Linolenic Acid. references

Vitamins
Vitamin B6 may enhance the production and metabolism of Gamma-Linolenic Acid: references

- Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for the Delta-6-Desaturase enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Linoleic Acid to Gamma-
Linolenic Acid.
- Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for the conversion of Gamma-Linolenic Acid to Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid (DGLA).

These Substances may Interfere with Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Aldehydes
Acetaldehyde may prevent the conversion of Linoleic Acid to Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) by destroying the Delta-6-
Desaturase enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Linoleic Acid to Gamma-Linolenic Acid. references

These Ailments may Interfere with Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Metabolism
Diabetes Mellitus patients may not convert Linoleic Acid to Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) - this occurs because Diabetes Mellitus patients are unable to manufacture the Delta-6 Desaturase Enzyme which normally converts dietary Linoleic Acid to Gamma-Linolenic Acid . references

Contraindications
Nervous System
Epilepsy patients should not use supplemental Gamma-Linolenic Acid.

Dietary Sources of GLA references
Dietary Sources of Gamma-Linolenic Acid become particularly important for people who are unable to manufacture the Delta-6-Desaturase Enzyme which allows the conversion of Linoleic Acid to Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA).

mg of Gamma-Linolenic Acid per 100 grams
Dietary Oils: Blackcurrant Seed Oil: 18,000 Borage Seed Oil: 24,000
Evening Primrose Oil: 10,000 Hemp Seed Oil: 4,000
Red Currant Seed Oil: 12,000
Fruit: Avocado 15
Meats: Chicken Liver 14
Nuts: Pine Nuts 52 Peanuts 38
Brazil Nuts 17
Seeds: Gooseberry Seeds Poplar Seeds


Dosage Recommendations

General Dosage
The general therapeutic dosage of Gamma-Linolenic Acid for preventative purposes is 100 - 400 mg per day.

Specific Ailments
The standard therapeutic dosage of Gamma-Linolenic Acid for the treatment of (diabetic) Neuropathy is 480 mg per day.
The standard therapeutic dosage of Gamma-Linolenic Acid for the treatment of Eczema is 550 mg per day.
Clinical trials involving the use of Gamma-Linolenic Acid for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis have involved the use of up to 1,400 mg of Gamma-Linolenic Acid per day.

Commercial Availability of GLA Supplements
“Oils” Supplements
Supplemental Blackcurrant Seed Oil, Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) and Evening Primrose Oil capsules are regarded as (and often labeled as) supplemental sources of GLA - they contain between 60 mg and 500 mg of Gamma-Linolenic Acid per capsule. Borage Seed Oil contains the highest proportion of Gamma-Linolenic Acid .

Topical Products
Gamma-Linolenic Acid is a constituent in some topically-applied formulas designed to stimulate hair growth (e.g. Revivogen; Crinagen).

Related Topics
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

In-Tele-Health © 2009 (from Hyperhealth Pro CD-ROM)