Gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6): benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Omega-6
Scientific name(s)
GLA
Family or group:
Fatty Acids
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Diabetic neuropathy ✪✪✪✪✪
GLA, taken orally for 6 to 12 months, has shown promising results in patients with neuropathy and type 1 or 2 diabetes. GLA appears to reduce symptoms and prevent neurological deterioration. In a parallel double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 111 patients with mild diabetic neuropathy, patients received either 480 mg of GLA or a placebo per day. After one year, patients treated with GLA showed favorable improvement in all parameters, including heat and cold thresholds, sensation, tendon reflexes, and muscle strength compared to placebo. In a smaller double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 22 patients with diabetic neuropathy, similar results were obtained at a dose of 360 mg GLA per day for six months.
Posologie
Oral
360 - 480 mg
The use of gamma-linolenic acid in diabetic neuropathy
The use of gamma linolenic acid in the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy
Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. The gamma-Linolenic Acid Multicenter Trial Group
Rheumatoid arthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Several clinical trials have shown the benefit of GLA in improving joint tenderness scores, joint swelling scores, and pain. Dosages used ranged between 540 mg and 2.8 g. GLA came from blackcurrant seed oil or borage seed oil. Notably, the combination of 450 mg GLA and 240 mg EPA (from fish oil) produced better results for inflammation.
Posologie
Oral
1400 - 2800 mg
Synergies
gamma-Linolenic acid treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Effects of altering dietary essential fatty acids on requirements for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind placebo controlled study.
Clinical Benefits of n-3 PUFA and ɤ-Linolenic Acid in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Evening primrose oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and side-effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gammalinolenic acid
Low back pain ✪✪✪✪✪
The results of a trial show that an oral treatment with a dose of 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and 420 mg of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) for 6 consecutive weeks, combined with a rehabilitation program, improved symptoms and neuropathic deficits in patients with radicular syndrome due to dorsolumbar disc-root conflict. The combination reduced pain intensity and improved disability status compared with rehabilitation therapy alone in patients suffering from back pain. This was a two-arm observational trial that included 203 subjects suffering from back pain and related symptoms.
Posologie
Oral administration
360 - 420 mg
Synergies
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
GLA can be converted into compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests that dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DHGLA), a metabolite of GLA and a precursor of prostaglandin E1, may act directly on T cells to modulate the immune response in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. There is also evidence that GLA may reduce the auto-induction of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1-beta), which would be the cause of synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Usages associés
Neurological
GLA is beneficial for people who have ischemic lesions associated with systemic sclerosis and for people with diabetic neuropathy.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Some evidence suggests that gamma-linolenic acid may reduce plasma triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. Animal studies show that GLA can attenuate the blood pressure response to chronic stress.
Anticancer
GLA has shown promise in cancer treatment, both as a cytotoxic agent and as an adjunct to chemotherapy. In the treatment of breast cancer, GLA, when used in combination with tamoxifen, has been shown to reduce the expression of estrogen receptors, both in an animal trial and in a clinical trial.
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 360 mg - 2800 mg
GLA has been used at doses of 320 to 480 mg per day for up to 12 months. Higher doses up to 2.8 grams per day have been used for up to 6 weeks.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: moderate interaction
Gamma-linolenic acid appears to have anticoagulant effects. Theoretically, taking gamma-linolenic acid with other anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding and prolong bleeding time. Anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications include aspirin, clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin, and others.
Precautions
Pregnant women: use with caution
The intake of large amounts of GLA by pregnant women should be under medical supervision.
Breastfeeding women: use with caution
The intake of large amounts of GLA by breastfeeding women should be under medical supervision.
Bleeding disorder: avoid
Gamma-linolenic acid has inhibitory effects on platelets. It can therefore prolong bleeding time and increase the risk of bruising.
Surgery: avoid
Gamma-linolenic acid has antiplatelet effects. Gamma-linolenic acid may cause excessive bleeding if used perioperatively. It is recommended to stop taking gamma-linolenic acid at least 2 weeks before surgery.
