GLA’s wide-ranging benefits are largely due to the fact that it is a precursor to series-1 prostaglandins and in particular to prostaglandin E1. Prostaglandins are powerful hormone-like chemicals that affect many functions in the body, including the inflammatory response. The series-1 prostaglandins help keep our blood flowing smoothly, relax blood vessels and improve circulation. They help insulin work better and support nerve health and our immune systems. And in perhaps their best-known role, they modulate inflammation throughout the body and help slow the production of series-2 prostaglandins, which tend to be pro-inflammatory.[fn value=2][/fn] To make series-1 prostaglandins, the body, using enzymes, converts GLA first into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and then into series-1 prostaglandins. Since DGLA can also be converted into the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA), getting adequate EPA (an omega-3 fatty acid found in cold water fish) is important. EPA helps to slow the conversion of DGLA to AA, thereby making more DGLA available for conversion to the more beneficial prostaglandin E1. [fn value=3][/fn]

GLA’s Wide Reaching Effects

Inflammatory conditions

GLA intake has been associated with improvements in a whole host of both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.[fn value=4][/fn] In one study, Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking GLA for six months experienced statistically significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of their disease.[fn value=5][/fn] In another study, patients with inflammatory Dry Eye Syndrome experienced a reduction in ocular surface inflammation and an improvement in their symptoms after taking GLA for 45 days.[fn value=6][/fn] GLA, along with omega-3 supplementation, has even been shown to support the healing of professional athletes with inflammatory overuse injuries and of weekend warriors alike.[fn value=7][/fn] As a series-1 prostaglandin precursor, its inflammation-modulating effects are wide reaching.

Skin Issues

Fatty acids are essential for healthy skin, as they help to form a barrier to protect the skin from moisture loss. Several studies have linked fatty acid intake, including that of GLA, with healthy skin. In one such study, participants taking 500 mg of GLA three times a day for 12 weeks showed significant improvements in skin moisture, water loss, elasticity, firmness and roughness.[fn value=8][/fn] GLA’s effect on skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema has also been the subject of many studies. Overall the results have been mixed, although nearly all studies show at least some improvement, and its use in such conditions is likely to be beneficial as part of a broader nutritional supplementation routine.[fn value=9][/fn]

Hormonal Balance[fn value=10][/fn]

GLA has a real affinity for women and their hormones. An excess of proinflammatory prostaglandins, produced from too many bad fats and not enough good ones in the diet, is associated with a worsening of many PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness and painful menstruation. In one trial, 97% of women taking GLA for six months reported a reduction in cyclical breast tenderness. GLA may also help to stimulate serotonin production, which may help to balance out the blues many women experience as a result of their monthly cycle. As women leave their childbearing years and make the transition into post-menopause, GLA continues to be an ally. Supplementation with GLA has been found to positively influence many of the symptoms associated with this transitional phase, including night-time flushes, breast pain, inflammation, fluid retention, depression and irritability, and skin wrinkling.

Healthy Weight Loss[fn value=11][/fn]

The prostaglandins produced from GLA are thought to play a major role in metabolism. One aspect in particular is their effects on brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is a particular type of insulating fat found around the organs. BAT is very metabolically active, burning many calories and boosting metabolism when it is active. The prostaglandins formed from GLA are believed to turn on BAT. These same prostaglandins are connected to the processes that balance sodium and potassium within the cells. A proper sodium to potassium ratio in the cells not only reduces water retention, but also helps to rev up the metabolism.

Supplementation and Safety

As a normal part of human metabolism GLA appears to be well tolerated and has been used safely in human studies involving participants of all ages. Most supplemental GLA comes from evening primrose, borage or black currant seed oil. The source of the GLA appears to be less important than the overall amount of GLA. GLA content can vary greatly among brands, so be sure to check the label for the amount of GLA per serving, instead of just relying on the total weight of the capsule. In The Inflammation Syndrome, Jack Challem recommends 100-200 mg of GLA daily for most people. Up to 600 mg a day may be beneficial for short term use when addressing an acute inflammatory condition; studies on more chronic and severe inflammatory conditions have used 1,400-2,800 mg a day.[fn value=12][/fn] Remember that the omega-3 fish oils work well with GLA and the effects are likely to be greater when the two are combined.