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Omega-6 fatty acids are well supplied in the diet by meat and vegetable oils. However, not all omega-6 fatty acids are of equal value. Linoleic acid (not to be confused with ALA, which is in the omega-3 family) and arachidonic acid (AA) tend to be unhealthy because they promote inflammation. In contrast, Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant oil is an important fatty acid that plays a beneficial role in healthy prostaglandin formation.8*

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid (EFA) in the omega-6 family that is found primarily in plant-based oils. In the body, GLA is broken down to arachidonic acid (AA) and/or another substance called dihomogamma-liolenic acid (DGLA). Much of the GLA taken from the oils or as a supplement is not converted to AA, but rather to DGLA. DGLA competes with AA and prevents the negative inflammatory effects that AA would otherwise cause in the body. GLA, via conversion to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), exhibits fluid-balancing and lipid-modifying potential. In addition, EFAs including GLA are important constituents of membrane phospholipids, including the mitochondrial membrane, where they enhance the integrity and the fluidity of the membrane.

If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, use only under the supervision of your physician.

Essential fatty acids, Omega-3, Omega-6