Gamma Linolenic Acid

fatty acid
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Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. Unlike other omega-6s that may be pro-inflammatory, the body metabolizes GLA into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and then into series-1 prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These compounds generally support anti-inflammatory or neutral effects, allowing GLA to help balance inflammatory responses. GLA is not essential because the body can produce it from linoleic acid (LA). Aging, stress, nutrient deficiencies, and certain health conditions can impair this conversion. Supplementation provides preformed GLA to bypass these limitations, making it more available for metabolic pathways. Primary applications include supporting healthy skin, particularly for managing conditions such as eczema and dry skin, and addressing symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal discomfort. GLA also shows promise for nerve function and bone health, contributing to general physiological well-being.

Natural sources
Evening Primrose OilBorage Seed OilBlack Currant Seed OilHemp Seed Oil

No public comparison lists found.

Optimal Dosage
Minimum240 mg
Maximum360 mg
Safety & Toxicity
4 safety notes
  • Individuals with a history of seizure disorders should use with caution, as high doses may rarely increase seizure risk.
  • Pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare professional before use.
  • Discontinue use at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery due to potential antiplatelet effects.
  • Individuals with bleeding disorders should use with caution due to potential for increased bleeding.
Goals
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:240–500 mg
Unlike other omega-6s, GLA (from sources like borage or evening primrose oil) uniquely converts into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. This makes it highly effective for conditions characterized by inflammation and immune dysregulation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. Its targeted mechanism places it in the high-impact tier.

Study evidence

7 studies

Gamma Linolenic Acid may ease some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but findings vary and do not establish broad anti-inflammatory benefits. Much of the evidence concerns GLA-containing oils, with less certainty about lasting effects on the disease itself.

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Joint Health
Joint Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:500–1000 mg
Gamma Linolenic Acid (from sources like Borage or Evening Primrose oil) is converted into DGLA, a precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE1). This helps to balance pro-inflammatory pathways and has shown significant benefit in reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Study evidence

5 studies

Gamma Linolenic Acid may ease pain, stiffness and joint tenderness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The available research is encouraging but limited by variable study quality and differing preparations, and it does not establish protection against joint damage or benefits for general joint health.

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Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:240–500 mg
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), found in oils like borage and evening primrose, is converted into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. It is highly effective for improving skin barrier integrity, increasing hydration, and reducing symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

Study evidence

9 studies

Gamma Linolenic Acid, mainly studied in evening primrose or borage oil, may improve some aspects of skin moisture and eczema symptoms. Results vary by skin condition, and the available evidence does not establish consistent benefits from Gamma Linolenic Acid alone.

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Studies

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Interactions

Positive Interactions

Omega-3
GLA (an Omega-6) can work synergistically with Omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain a balanced inflammatory response in the body.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
GLA complements EPA in modulating inflammatory pathways, contributing to overall anti-inflammatory effects.
DHA
Similar to EPA, DHA works alongside GLA to support a healthy balance of immune and inflammatory processes.
Vitamin E
As an antioxidant, Vitamin E can help protect polyunsaturated fatty acids like GLA from oxidative damage, ensuring its stability and efficacy.
Zinc
Zinc is a cofactor for enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism, potentially supporting the beneficial conversion pathways of GLA in the body.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor necessary for the proper metabolism of fatty acids, including the enzymatic conversion steps involving GLA.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a role in enzyme activities related to lipid metabolism, which may indirectly support the optimal function of GLA.
Fish Oil
Fish Oil, rich in EPA and DHA, can synergize with GLA to promote a balanced inflammatory response and overall cardiovascular health.

Negative Interactions

Turmeric
Both GLA and Turmeric (Curcumin) possess anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties. Combining them might theoretically enhance these effects, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding in susceptible individuals, although this interaction is generally considered mild for typical supplement doses.
Curcumin
Curcumin shares some anti-inflammatory and mild anticoagulant properties with GLA. Concurrent use could potentially heighten these effects, leading to a slightly increased risk of bruising or bleeding, particularly at high doses or in sensitive individuals.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is known for its blood-thinning effects. When combined with GLA, which also has mild antiplatelet activity, there could be an additive effect leading to an increased risk of bleeding, especially in individuals prone to such conditions.
Ginger
Ginger possesses antiplatelet properties. Combining it with GLA might enhance these effects, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising, particularly at higher supplemental doses.
Sources

Up to five highest-ranked published examples per goal. Study counts and charts include all published studies for the connection.

  1. 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.
    Belch JJ; Ansell D; Madhok R; O'Dowd A; Sturrock RD · Annals of the rheumatic diseases · 1988
    Randomized trial49 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support
  2. Systemic immune inflammation mediates the association of serum omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids with biological aging: a national population-based study.
    Shan F; Xiong Y; Pai P; Liu M · Aging clinical and experimental research · 2025
    Cross-sectional study3,376 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support
  3. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal medicinal products in the treatment of arthritis. Part 2: Rheumatoid arthritis.
    Cameron M; Gagnier JJ; Little CV; Parsons TJ; Blümle A; Chrubasik S · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2010
    Meta-analysis20 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support
  4. Evening primrose oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and side-effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
    Brzeski M; Madhok R; Capell HA · British journal of rheumatology · 1991
    Randomized trial40 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support
  5. Prospective clinical trial examining the impact of genetic variation in FADS1 on the metabolism of linoleic acid- and ɣ-linolenic acid-containing botanical oils.
    Sergeant S; Hallmark B; Mathias RA; Mustin TL; Ivester P; Bohannon ML; Ruczinski I; Johnstone L; Seeds MC; Chilton FH · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2020
    Randomized trial64 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support
  6. Effectiveness of nonpharmacological and nonsurgical interventions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an overview of systematic reviews.
    Christie A; Jamtvedt G; Dahm KT; Moe RH; Haavardsholm EA; Hagen KB · Physical therapy · 2008
    Systematic review28 studies pooledJoint Health
  7. Herbal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
    Little C; Parsons T · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2001
    Systematic review11 studies pooledJoint Health
  8. Herbal medicines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review.
    Soeken KL; Miller SA; Ernst E · Rheumatology (Oxford, England) · 2003
    Systematic review14 studies pooledJoint Health
  9. gamma-Linolenic acid treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
    Zurier RB; Rossetti RG; Jacobson EW; DeMarco DM; Liu NY; Temming JE; White BM; Laposata M · Arthritis and rheumatism · 1996
    Randomized trial56 participantsJoint Health
  10. Botanical lipids: effects on inflammation, immune responses, and rheumatoid arthritis.
    Rothman D; DeLuca P; Zurier RB · Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism · 1996
    Narrative reviewJoint Health
  11. Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Korean Patients With Mild Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.
    Chung BY; Park SY; Jung MJ; Kim HO; Park CW · Annals of dermatology · 2022
    Randomized trial50 participantsSkin Health
  12. Meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies of the efficacy of Epogam in the treatment of atopic eczema. Relationship between plasma essential fatty acid changes and clinical response.
    Morse PF; Horrobin DF; Manku MS; Stewart JC; Allen R; Littlewood S; Wright S; Burton J; Gould DJ; Holt PJ · The British journal of dermatology · 1989
    Meta-analysis9 studies pooledSkin Health
  13. Reduced levels of prostaglandin precursors in the blood of atopic patients: defective delta-6-desaturase function as a biochemical basis for atopy.
    Manku MS; Horrobin DF; Morse N; Kyte V; Jenkins K; Wright S; Burton JL · Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and medicine · 1983
    Non-randomized trial50 participantsSkin Health
  14. Effect of borage oil consumption on fatty acid metabolism, transepidermal water loss and skin parameters in elderly people.
    Brosche T; Platt D · Archives of gerontology and geriatrics · 2005
    Non-randomized trial29 participantsSkin Health
  15. Effects of oral supplementation with evening primrose oil for six weeks on plasma essential fatty acids and uremic skin symptoms in hemodialysis patients.
    Yoshimoto-Furuie K; Yoshimoto K; Tanaka T; Saima S; Kikuchi Y; Shay J; Horrobin DF; Echizen H · Nephron · 1999
    Randomized trial16 participantsSkin Health