Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma Linolenic Acid
For the body system: Prostaglandins

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oils such as evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. GLA is used to support the prostaglandin system because it is a biochemical precursor to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which in turn is converted to series-1 prostaglandins (notably PGE1) in the body. These prostaglandins are considered to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Scientific research has demonstrated that supplementation with GLA can increase levels of beneficial prostaglandins in the body. Several studies have explored its effects in conditions believed to involve prostaglandin imbalance, such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For example, a 2013 review in Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism summarized that GLA supplementation can modulate prostaglandin synthesis and may help manage inflammatory disorders. However, clinical outcomes are variable, and some studies show modest or inconsistent benefits in human populations.

While there is biochemical rationale and some clinical evidence supporting GLA’s influence on prostaglandin pathways, the overall quality and consistency of clinical trials is moderate. Thus, its use is "scientific" with a moderate evidence rating.

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