Gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6): benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Omega-6
Scientific name(s)
GLA
Family or group:
Fatty Acids
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Diabetic neuropathy ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral GLA 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 with 111 patients with mild diabetic neuropathy, patients received either 480 mg of GLA or a placebo daily. After one year, patients treated with GLA showed favorable improvements in all parameters, including heat and cold threshold, sensation, tendon reflexes, and muscle strength compared to placebo. In a smaller double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 22 patients with diabetic neuropathy, similar results were obtained at a dose of 360 mg GLA per day for six months.
Posologie
Orally
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 tender joint scores, swollen joint scores, and pain. Dosages ranged from 540 mg to 2.8 g. GLA came from blackcurrant seed oil or borage seeds. Notably, the combination of 450 mg GLA and 240 mg EPA (from fish oil) resulted in better outcomes for inflammation.
Posologie
Orally
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 γ-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 ✪✪✪✪✪
Results from a trial showed that oral treatment with a dose of 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and 420 mg 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 lumbar disc-related radiculopathy. The synergy reduced pain intensity and improved disability status compared to rehabilitation therapy alone in patients suffering from back pain. This was an observational two-arm trial, including 203 subjects with back pain and related symptoms.
Posologie
Orally
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 (DGLA), a metabolite of GLA and precursor to prostaglandin E1, may act directly on T cells to modulate the immune response in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. There is also evidence that GLA may reduce the self-induction of interleukin-1-beta (IL-1-beta), which causes synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Usages associés
Neurological
GLA is beneficial for people with ischemic lesions associated with systemic sclerosis and for those with diabetic neuropathy.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Some evidence suggests that gamma-linolenic acid may reduce plasma triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. Animal research shows that GLA can mitigate the blood pressure response to chronic stress.
Anticancer
GLA has shown promise in cancer treatment, both as a cytotoxic agent and as an adjuvant to chemotherapy. In breast cancer treatment, GLA, when used with tamoxifen, has been shown to decrease estrogen receptor expression in both animal and clinical trials.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 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 were used for up to 6 weeks.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant drugs: moderate interaction
Gamma-linolenic acid appears to have anticoagulant effects. Theoretically, taking gamma-linolenic acid with other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding and prolong bleeding time. Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin, and others.
Precautions
Pregnant women: use with caution
Taking large amounts of GLA by pregnant women should be under medical supervision.
Breastfeeding women: use with caution
Taking large amounts of GLA by breastfeeding women should be under medical supervision.
Hemorrhagic disorder: avoid
Gamma-linolenic acid has platelet-inhibiting effects. It can therefore prolong bleeding time and increase the risk of bruising.
Surgical intervention: avoid
Gamma-linolenic acid has antiplatelet effects. It may cause excessive bleeding if used perioperatively. It is advised to stop taking gamma-linolenic acid at least 2 weeks before surgery.
