We prefer this brand because...

Studies show that a sufficient daily intake of between 200-1,000 mg of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is needed for all the important breast, skin and anti-inflammatory benefits. But most sources, such as evening primrose oil, have only low doses of the actual GLA. We find this super-high concentration to be more effective, requiring fewer capsules, and thus more economical. Two capsules of Borage/GLA provide as much GLA as twelve capsules of evening primrose oil 500 mg or six capsules of blackcurrant oil 500 mg! Research shows that borage oil’s medicinal effects can be traced to its high GLA level of 20-25%.

Our patients report consistency good results for breast tenderness, PMS, menopausal symptoms, eczema, and more. Three to six months of use can stabilize hormone-related symptoms and reduce skin inflammation.

About this product

Gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, is a unique omega-6 fatty acid which is converted in our bodies to the beneficial prostaglandin 1 series which calms inflammation. We need GLA because our bodies may not be able to form it from food. The precursor to GLA, called linoleic acid, is found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, but its conversion into GLA can be hampered by diabetes, the aging process, saturated fats or excess sugar in the diet, or poor intake of vitamin C, magnesium, zinc or B-complex vitamins.

From GLA, the body forms prostaglandin E1 and the thromboxane A1, both of which can reduce inflammation, inhibit the formation of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, improve blood flow, and inhibit platelet clumping. Prostaglandin E1 also has a role in regulation of healthy immune system function.

For women’s health, we have seen GLA give excellent relief of breast tenderness caused by fibrocystic breast problems, PMS or perimenopause. Women who suffer PMS are known to have low levels of GLA and problems with processing essential fats to generate enough of the “good” prostaglandins. They may take GLA for seven days before and seven days after each period starts.

With diabetes, there is a disturbance of fatty acid metabolism and diabetics cannot form GLA from linoleic acid. For diabetic neuropathy, the GLA multicenter trial research shows that 480 mg daily of GLA for one year improves the speed of nerve conduction, sensation in feet, tendon reflexes and muscle strength.

Patients with eczema may lack the enzyme delta-6-desaturase which forms GLA from linoleic acid. Extra GLA, which is very safe, can reduce itching, flaking and inflammation. In clinical studies, GLA has been used to successfully treat eczema in adults and children. It is approved for eczema treatment in several countries outside the United States.

The use of GLA for inflammatory arthritis is debated. While there have been studies that show reductions in joint pain and swelling, factors other than GLA may have contributed, and there is a chance that for these patients, GLA could tip the body’s fatty acid balance towards “bad” arachidonic acid. So, we prefer to encourage boosting omega-3 fats.

GLA may be helpful for multiple sclerosis because GLA can be important for healthy brain fats and it may lead to more anti-inflammatory prostaglandin 1 series, but the data is unclear.

Contents

1 softgel provides:

Borage Oil (Borago officinalis) (Seed)(1,000 mg)1 g
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) 240 mg

Other Ingredients: Softgel capsule (bovine gelatin, water, glycerin)

This product does not contain dairy, eggs, gluten, wheat, soy, yeast, fish, shellfish, hexane, or GMOs.

Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Cautions

Always take natural remedies under the supervision of your health care provider. Consult your healthcare professional before using GLA if you are taking anticoagulant drugs or anti-platelet drugs as GLA may have a blood thinning effect.

There have been reports of temporary headaches, upset stomach or diarrhea.

If you are pregnant or nursing, only use GLA under the guidance of your physician as the effects during pregnancy or lactation are unknown. Children can take half of the adult doses.