| Linolenic acid | |||||
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- What is gamma-linolenic acid?
- Important gamma-linolenic acid facts
- Why gamma-linolenic acid is important
Linolenic acid (or gamma-linolenic acid - GLA) is an essential omega 6 fatty acid. It is found predominantly in plant sources.
Foods with the highest source of Linolenic acid are:
- Evening primrose seed oil
- Borage seed oil
- Blackcurrent seed oil
Linolenic acid (GLA) must be obtained in the diet, as the body cannot produce this essential fatty acid.
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Important gamma-linolenic acid facts
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) produces hormone-like substances called prostaglandins
- Reserach indicates that gamma-linolenic acid may posess anti-inflammatory effects
- Research shows that gamma-linolenic acid may also have anti-thrombotic (anti-clotting) actions
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Why gamma-linolenic acid is important
Gamma-linolenic acid's anti-inflammatory properties may be a reason why research has shown that it is useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Other research shows that gamma-linolenic acid may be useful for treating other inflammatory disorders, such as ulcerative colitis.
Many women with PMS seem to benefit from supplementation of evening primrose oil - there has been research showing that the GLA reduces a lot of their symptoms.
references
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Food Standards Australia & New Zealand - GLA
- Dieticians Association of Australia
- Nutrient Reference Values (Australia)
