Without gamma linolenic acid (GLA), the body loses its ability to produce a major arbiter of health, prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁), perhaps the foremost of many hormone-like eicosanoids. These chemicals have a tremendous impact on how good or bad we feel. They can raise body temperature, lower blood pressure, trigger hormones and restrict or expand lung passages.⁽¹⁾

GLA supplements have been shown to improve a number of conditions including:

• Skin problems.^(1,2)

• Premenstrual syndrome.^(1,4)

• Menopausal symptoms.⁽⁴⁾

• Diabetic retinopathy.⁽¹⁾

• Arterial health.^(1,3,4)

• Arthritis.⁽⁵⁾

• Liver function affected by alcohol use.^(4,6)

GLA is found in small amounts in many vegetable oils; however, the richest known source is borage seed oil (24% GLA),^{( 2)} followed by primrose oil and black currant seed oil.

Strictly defined, GLA is not an essential fatty acid because, under ideal conditions, the body can produce it from its precursor linoleic acid (LA).⁽¹⁾ Most people get enough LA in their diets since it is commonly found in almost all edible vegetable oils.⁽²⁾

Conversion of LA to GLA requires the action of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase (D6D). D6D is often referred to as the "lazy enzyme".⁽²⁾ It may be slow in doing its job or, under some conditions, may actually be impaired. Conditions known to impair D6D activity include:

• Aging (the ability to make eicosanoids at age 65 is 1/3 what it was at age 25).^(1,3)

• High amounts of insulin (diabetes, high carbohydrate diets, alcohol consumption).^(1,3)

• Overabundance of alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Some oils are high in ALA.⁽³⁾

• Trans fatty acids (found in margarine and other partially hydrogenated vegetable oils).^(1,3)

• Disease, especially viral diseases.^(1,3)

• Elevated levels of adrenaline and cortisol produced in response to stress.^(1,3)

• Underactive thyroid.⁽¹⁾

• Nutrient deficiencies including zinc, magnesium, vitamins C, B-6 and niacin.⁽¹⁾

Since we can’t take supplements of D6D, GLA supplements may be used to bypass this step in the biochemical chain of reactions required to produce beneficial prostaglandins.

Borage oil or other oils high in GLA taken orally or applied topically appear to affect the texture, suppleness and moisture content of skin positively. More problematic conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and eczema also often clear up.^(1,2)

People with skin disorders such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis show increased levels of linoleic acid with simultaneous decrease in GLA, which suggests a reduction in D6D activity. Studies indicate that GLA taken orally increases PGE₁ levels in the skin and suppresses chronic inflammation. In a study of patients given GLA supplements for skin disorders, not only the skin disorder, but the overall condition of the skin improved.⁽²⁾

Borage oil applied topically is also effective for dry or damaged skin and has been shown to improve infantile seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as "cradle cap". In babies, not only was there an improvement in areas where borage oil was applied directly, but also in areas where it was not applied, suggesting that the oil was effectively absorbed and became available throughout the body as a source of GLA for biosynthesis of PGE₁.⁽²⁾

Hormone fluctuations seem to interfere with GLA production. According to Robert Atkins, M.D., "If I were limited to one choice for treating premenstrual tension, I’d stock up on GLA. Taking 300 mg. a day for about three months will prove really incredible in alleviating cramps, irritability and breast tenderness."⁽¹⁾ Many women have found that GLA supplements relieve unpleasant menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.⁽²⁾

PGE₁ helps the body use insulin to metabolize blood sugar, but diabetics seem to be unable to synthesize GLA needed for these beneficial prostaglandins. GLA supplementation can slow down, halt and even prevent retinopathy, the nerve erosion that occurs from years of high blood sugar. In addition, it apparently helps to repair already damaged nerves.⁽¹⁾

When PGE₁ is not available, cholesterol production runs rampant. According to Dr. Atkins, "My patient’s blood-fat profiles get better or worse in direct response to increasing or reducing their daily GLA dosage." This fatty acid is known to help prevent hardening of the arteries, heart disease and high blood pressure. GLA also deters the process by which blood clots form, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.⁽¹⁾

Since GLA is known to increase production of PGE₁, which has anti-inflammatory properties, it is not surprising that good results have been seen in arthritis patients given GLA supplements. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients showed significant improvement at the end of one year with GLA. When they were switched to the placebo for three months, they relapsed.⁽⁵⁾

In a placebo-controlled study of patients entering an alcohol treatment center in Scotland, GLA (given as primrose oil in this study) substantially reduced the side effects of alcohol withdrawal and the need for tranquilizing drugs during withdrawal. It also caused liver function to return to normal more rapidly and produced an improvement in brain function as shown by psychological testing. Surprisingly, GLA appeared to reduce alcohol craving, with more people in the GLA group than in the placebo group still not drinking at the end of a one year follow-up.⁽⁶⁾

In breast cancer patients, GLA (2.8 grams daily) has been found to accelerate the response to the drug tamoxifen. In a British study "it became clinically noticeable...that a number of the GLA-treated patients were achieving a rapid response...evident by 6 weeks." After 6 months, 16% of those receiving GLA had no remaining palpable tumor, compared to 4% of controls.⁽⁷⁾

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the essential omega 3 fatty acid found in fish oils (EPA-DHA 300 ), enhances the action of GLA. EPA inhibits the enzyme delta 5 desaturase (D5D) needed for production of arachidonic acid, the building block for "bad" eicosanoids which cause platelet clumping, promote pain, depress the immune system and promote allergies and skin disorders.⁽³⁾

Optimal intake of both fatty acids can help maintain a favorable ratio of "good" to "bad" eicosanoids.

WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Atkins R, "Try the GLA way to better health", Dr. Atkins’ Health Revelations, Dec 1998, p 6-7.

2. Sepp D, "Borage Oil", Total Health, Vol 20, No 5, p 26.

3. Sears B, "Wonder Hormones: Eicosanoids--The Long Course", The Zone, Harper-Collins, New York, NY, 1995.

4. Balch J, Balch P, "Primrose Oil", Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Second Edition, Avery Publishing, Garden City Park, NY, 1997.

5. Hendler S, "Gamma-Linolenic Acid and Oil of Evening Primrose", The Doctors’ Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, Simon and Schuster, New York, 1990.

6. Horrobin D, "Gamma Linolenic Acid in Medicine" 1984-85 Yearbook of Nutritional Medicine, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1985.

7. Robertson J, et al, "Gamma Linolenic Acid Accelerates Response to Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer", Int J Cancer, March 1, 2000;85:643-8.

Each softgel capsule contains 1300 mg. of 100% pure, cold pressed borage oil which supplies no less than 260 mg. of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA).

FATTY ACID COMPOSITION:
Gamma Linolenic Acid 260 mg.
Linoleic Acid 494 mg.
Oleic Acid 221 mg.

SUPPLEMENT FACTS:
Serving Size: 1 softgel (1.3 grams)
Calories per Serving: 11.7Calories from Fat: 11.7
% Daily Value
Total Fat 1 g. 2% Saturated Fat 0.18 g. 0.9% Polyunsaturated Fat 0.84 g. Monounsaturated Fat 0.27 g.
Cholesterol 0 g.
Sodium 0 g.
Protein 0 g.

% Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recommended Use: 1 capsule or more daily.