Gamma-linoleic acid or GLA is among nature\u2019s top beauty remedies. It\u2019s an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid, famous for enhancing weight loss and soothing irritated skin. A number of traditionally-used herbs are rich in it. Read on to find out if GLA lives up to its reputation and how to get more of it from food.<\/p>\n
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Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid mainly found in plant seeds. Although sometimes called essential<\/i>, you don\u2019t need to get it from food since your body can make it from linoleic acid [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n Researchers first discovered GLA in a North American plant (evening primrose) used by the natives as a food and remedy for laziness, obesity, piles, and boils. Early settlers took it to Europe, where it became a popular remedy known as \u201cKing\u2019s cure-all\u201d [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n The FDA doesn\u2019t approve GLA for any conditions, but considers it generally recognized as safe (GRAS). GLA and oils containing it are mainly used for [R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n Some people also recommend GLA for the following conditions, although evidence goes against them:<\/p>\n The body makes GLA from linoleic acid taken in through food. Most adults on a typical Western diet get enough linoleic acid from vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds<\/b> [R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n However, some people have trouble converting linoleic acid to GLA, including the elderly and those with [R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n If any of the above factors apply to you, getting more pure GLA might be a good idea.<\/p>\n GLA is found in small amounts in organ meat<\/b>, especially liver, but its main sources are seed oils<\/b> of [R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n Babies usually get enough fatty acids from breast milk, which contains both GLA (0.1-0.9%) and linoleic acid (6-17%) [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n Don\u2019t confuse GLA with conjugated linoleic acid<\/i> or CLA<\/a>. Although it sounds similar, CLA is linoleic acid with different orientation in space. As such, it may have distinct health effects. CLA is found in meat and dairy products, but is better known as a weight-loss supplement for bodybuilders [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n The body takes the linoleic acid obtained from food and turns it into GLA. Next, GLA is transformed into a longer molecule (DGLA), which is stored in cell membranes [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n DGLA stays in cell membranes until a signal triggers its release: inflammation, and an enzyme called phospholipase A2. The cue splits DGLA into two anti-inflammatory molecules: PGE1 and thromboxane A1 [R<\/a>, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n These two molecules block a long list of pro-inflammatory pathways and messengers (NF-kB<\/a>, AP-1<\/a>, ERK, JNK, IL-1beta<\/a>, leukotrienes<\/a>, arachidonic acid<\/a>) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\nUses<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Food Sources of GLA<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Gamma Linolenic Acid vs Conjugated Linoleic Acid<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Health Benefits of GLA<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
How It Works<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Possibly Effective for:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n