Gamma-Linolenic Acid Flashcards
What is GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)?
GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid, 18:3 n-6, found in evening primrose oil, blackcurrant seed oil, hemp, and borage oils.
What are the therapeutic uses of GLA for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
GLA reduces joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness in RA by converting to PG1, which has immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, including a reduction in NF-kB activity.
Dosage: 1.4 g/day of borage seed oil.
How is GLA used in the treatment of ADHD?
A combination of GLA and EPA shows improvements in attention and impulsivity in individuals with ADHD.
What are the effects of GLA on eczema?
GLA helps reduce inflammation and improve skin symptoms in eczema. However, it should be used cautiously to avoid raising levels of arachidonic acid (AA).
Dosage: 320 mg GLA per day.
What is the recommended dosage of borage seed oil for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
1.4 g/day of borage seed oil.
Which oils are major sources of GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)?
Evening primrose oil, blackcurrant seed oil, hemp oil, and borage oil.
What are the therapeutic uses of GLA?
Rheumatoid arthritis: Reduces joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness.
ADHD: Improves attention and impulsivity when combined with EPA.
Eczema: Reduces inflammation and improves skin symptoms.
What are the potential risks of taking more than 3,000 mg/day of GLA?
It may increase arachidonic acid (AA) production.
What drug interactions are associated with GLA?
Ceftazidime: Increases the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
Chemotherapy: Increases treatment effects.
Cyclosporine: Increases immunosuppressive effects.
NSAIDs: May counteract the effects of GLA.
Phenothiazines: May increase the risk of seizures.
Should borage seed oil be used during pregnancy?
Borage seed oil, and possibly other sources of GLA, should not be used during pregnancy.
