What is gla good for?

Preliminary clinical research suggests that GLA may be useful for the following conditions:

Some studies show that taking gamma linolenic acid (GLA) for 6 months or more may reduce symptoms of nerve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy. People who have good blood sugar control may find GLA more effective than those with poor blood sugar control.

Studies are mixed as to whether EPO helps reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary evidence suggests EPO may reduce pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. But other studies have found no effect. When using GLA for arthritis symptoms, it may take 1 to 3 months to see any benefit. It is unlikely that EPO would help stop the progression of the disease. So joint damage could still occur.

GLA from EPO or other sources has a longstanding history of folk use for allergies. Women and children who are prone to allergies appear to have lower levels of GLA in breast milk and blood. However, there is no solid scientific evidence that taking GLA helps reduce allergy symptoms. More research is needed.

Before you try GLA for allergies, speak with your doctor to determine if it is safe for you. Then track your allergy symptoms closely for any signs of improvement.

Clinical studies suggest that children with ADHD have lower levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs), both omega-6s and omega-3s. EFAs are important to normal brain and behavioral function. Some studies suggest that taking fish oil (containing omega-3 fatty acids) may help reduce ADHD symptoms, though the studies have not been well-designed. Studies that used EPO found it was no better than placebo at reducing symptoms.

One study found that women with breast cancer who took GLA had a better response to tamoxifen (a drug used to treat estrogen-sensitive breast cancer) than those who took only tamoxifen. But speak with your doctor before taking GLA supplements.

Evidence is mixed as to whether GLA helps reduce symptoms of eczema and acne. If you want to try GLA, including EPO, for these conditions, talk to your doctor about whether it is safe for you.

Preliminary evidence suggests that GLA may help reduce high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish oil. In one study, men with borderline high blood pressure who took 6g of black currant oil had a reduction in diastolic blood pressure compared to those who took placebo.

Another study examined people with intermittent claudication, pain in the legs while walking that is caused by blockages in the blood vessels. Those who took GLA combined with EPA had a reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to those who took placebo.

More research is needed to see whether GLA is truly effective for hypertension.

EPO has gained popularity as a way to treat hot flashes associated with menopause. Studies are mixed. If you want to try EPO for hot flashes and night sweats, ask your doctor whether it is safe and right for you.

Some evidence suggests that EPO may reduce breast pain and tenderness in people with cyclic mastalgia. It may also help reduce symptoms to a lesser extent in people with noncyclic mastalgia. However, it does not seem to be effective for severe breast pain.

Some studies suggest that people who do not get enough essential fatty acids (particularly EPA and GLA) are more likely to have bone loss than those with normal levels of these fatty acids. In a study of women over 65 with osteoporosis, those who took EPA and GLA supplements had less bone loss over 3 years than those who took placebo. Many of these women also experienced an increase in bone density.

Preliminary evidence suggests that GLA may help reduce high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish oil.