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Home -> Shop By Store -> Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
What is Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)?
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid (EFA) in the omega-6 family that is found primarily in plant-based oils. EFAs are essential to human health but cannot be made in the body. For this reason, they must be obtained from food. EFAs are needed for normal brain function, growth and development, bone health, stimulation of skin and hair growth, regulation of metabolism, and maintenance of reproductive processes.
What Does Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) do?
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) reduces inflammation.
Omega-6 fatty acid supplementation, in the form of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from EPO or other sources may assist nerve function and help prevent nerve disease experienced by those with diabetes (called peripheral neuropathy and felt as numbness, tingling, pain, burning, or lack of sensation in the feet and/or legs).
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is beneficial in dry-eye conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome (a condition with symptoms of dry eyes, dry mouth, and, often, arthritis).
A deficiency in essential fatty acids (including GLA and EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid) can lead to severe bone loss and osteoporosis. Studies have shown that supplements of GLA and EPA together help maintain or increase bone mass. Essential fatty acids may also enhance calcium absorption, increase calcium deposits in bones, diminish calcium loss in urine, improve bone strength, and enhance bone growth, all of which may contribute to improved bone mass and, therefore, strength.
Women find relief of their PMS symptoms when using Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplements from EPO or another source. The symptoms that seem to be helped the most are breast tenderness and feelings of depression as well as irritability and swelling and bloating from fluid retention. Breast tenderness from causes other than PMS may also improve with use of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Some preliminary information indicates that Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) diminish joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) may also allow for reduction in the amount of pain medication used by those with rheumatoid arthritis. The studies to date, however, have been small in size. Additional research would be helpful, including testing a proposed theory that using GLA and EPA (an omega-3 fatty acid from fish and fish oil) together would be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis.
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