Borage or Evening Primrose Oil
DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, is a derivative of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are precursors of the hormone-like eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes) that participate in the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate, vascular dilation, blood clotting, lipolysis, immune response, and the central nervous system.
RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for Adults
None. As linoleic acid (precursor to GLA):
-Males: 19-50 (17 g); 51 and older (14 g).
-Females: 19-50 (12 g); 51 and older (11 g).
-Pregnancy/Lactation: 13 g.
MAJOR SOURCES
Usually borage seed oil and evening primrose oil, but also black currant seed oil.
MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE
100 mg to 500 mg of GLA.
POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Cancer (breast; when taken with tamoxifen); coronary heart disease; diabetes (neuropathy); eczema; fibrocystic breasts; high blood pressure; high triglycerides; inflammation; osteoarthritis; premenstrual syndrome; rheumatoid arthritis.
COMMENTS
Most research has been done on borage and primrose oils. The three primary sources of GLA have varying concentrations of it: evening primrose oil (9-10%), black current seed oil (12-14%), borage seed oil (20-24%). Taking GLA is not likely to increase pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA) levels, since most GLA from supplements is converted to dihomo-gamma linolenic acid (DGLA), and then to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a beneficial prostaglandin. DGLA actually competes with AA, reducing inflammation.
CAUTIONS
Consult with your health practitioner if you are taking blood thinning drugs or phenothiazines (GLA reduces seizure threshold).
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2008.
John Pillepich. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
FOR OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS*
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern.
DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, is a derivative of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are precursors of the hormone-like eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes) that participate in the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate, vascular dilation, blood clotting, lipolysis, immune response, and the central nervous system.
RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for Adults
None. As linoleic acid (precursor to GLA):
-Males: 19-50 (17 g); 51 and older (14 g).
-Females: 19-50 (12 g); 51 and older (11 g).
-Pregnancy/Lactation: 13 g.
MAJOR SOURCES
Usually borage seed oil and evening primrose oil, but also black currant seed oil.
MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE
100 mg to 500 mg of GLA.
POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Cancer (breast; when taken with tamoxifen); coronary heart disease; diabetes (neuropathy); eczema; fibrocystic breasts; high blood pressure; high triglycerides; inflammation; osteoarthritis; premenstrual syndrome; rheumatoid arthritis.
COMMENTS
Most research has been done on borage and primrose oils. The three primary sources of GLA have varying concentrations of it: evening primrose oil (9-10%), black current seed oil (12-14%), borage seed oil (20-24%). Taking GLA is not likely to increase pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA) levels, since most GLA from supplements is converted to dihomo-gamma linolenic acid (DGLA), and then to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a beneficial prostaglandin. DGLA actually competes with AA, reducing inflammation.
CAUTIONS
Consult with your health practitioner if you are taking blood thinning drugs or phenothiazines (GLA reduces seizure threshold).
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2008.
John Pillepich. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
FOR OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS*
- Omega-6 (GLA)
- Age-Less Paks (a multi that also contains omega-6)
- Osteo Paks (a multi that also contains omega-6)
- Wellness Paks (a multi that also contains omega-6)
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern.
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