Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Overview

Gamma-Linolenic Acid, GLA, is a non-essential Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid which is normally manufactured within the body but which can also be obtained via the diet.

 

Gamma-Linolenic Acid normally comprises less than 0.13% of total fasting Red Blood Cell Fatty Acids.

 

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid Metabolic Pathway

Cardiovascular System

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients.  ^[1]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may reduce the severity of Raynaud''s Disease.  ^[2] 

Eyes/Vision

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (1,500 mg per day combined with Vitamin C and Vitamin B6) may improve tear production in cases of Eyes - Dry:  ^[3]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be useful for the treatment of the Dry Eyes that occur in Sjogren Syndrome patients. 

Immune System

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be useful for the treatment of Cancer - Breast (it may inhibit a specific Oncogene that is responsible for up to 30% of all Breast Cancer cases).  ^[4]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be useful for the treatment of Gliomas.  ^[5]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may inhibit the further development of existing Cancer - Liver.  ^[6]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may inhibit the further development of Neuroblastoma and may increase the effectivness of Vincristine for the treatment of Neuroblastoma.  ^[7]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may inhibit the growth of Cancer - Prostate cells.  ^[8]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may be useful for the treatment of the Dry Eyes that occur in Sjogren Syndrome patients.  ^[9] 

Metabolism

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (combined with Linoleic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) at a total dosage of 4,000 mg per day) may improve the condition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients.  ^[10]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may help to prevent Insulin Resistance.  ^[11]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may protect the Liver from Alcohol-induced damage: 

 GLA may help to prevent Alcohol-induced Fatty Liver.  ^[12]

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid may facilitate weight loss in persons afflicted with Obesity (this occurs via the following process:  GLA converts to DGLA which converts to Prostaglandin E1 which stimulates the activity of Adenyl Cyclase resulting in increased levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP);  increased cAMP subsequently leads to increased ).  ^[13]