“Gamma Linolenic Acid?”Here!GLA

Plant

Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.

As a supplement

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Roll Call does not check drug interactions or assess personal safety.

An omega-6 fatty acid found in certain plant seed oils, including evening primrose, borage, and black currant seed oil.

Why it’s used

Taken to support skin condition, joint comfort, or menstrual-related symptoms.

What the evidence says

Clinical trials on GLA and evening primrose oil for eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and premenstrual symptoms have produced mixed and inconsistent results. NCCIH notes that current evidence does not clearly support its use for these purposes.

Context

Studies have used GLA in forms such as evening primrose or borage oil capsules, with daily amounts ranging from a few hundred milligrams to a few grams; effects reported across trials have been inconsistent.

Rumors

1
GLA supplements reduce inflammation in the body.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Nutritional Weight & Wellness — a professional body or practice: nutrition counseling by licensed dietitians; also sells courses and NutriKey supplements
  How we know who this is
  “Nutritional Weight & Wellness was founded in 1993 by Darlene Kvist, a pioneering nutritionist whose passion for real food nutrition was deeply personal.” (their page)
  “At Nutritional Weight & Wellness, our licensed dietitians guide you in eating real foods in balance — bringing lasting relief and healing from low energy, hormone imbalance, digestive issues, weight struggles, chronic pain, and more.” (their page)
2
GLA supplements can cause headaches, loose stools, and nausea.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Healthline — a publisher: health information publisher; part of RVO Health, backed by Red Ventures and UnitedHealth Group's Optum
  How we know who this is
  “Healthline is a digital publisher and does not offer personal health or medical advice.” (their page)
  “Healthline is part of RVO Health, a company backed by Red Ventures and UnitedHealth Group’s Optum.” (their page)
3
GLA supplements improve dry skin by strengthening the skin barrier.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- HUM — a brand: sells nutritional supplements
  How we know who this is
  “HUM’s mission is to help you find your confidence and feel good in your skin and body.” (their page)
  “HUM hired scientists, began to explore people’s diverse issues and find ways to solve for those individual struggles by developing nutritional solutions that target very specific skin, hair, body and mood needs.” (their page)
4
GLA supplements relieve PMS symptoms.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Nutritional Weight & Wellness — a professional body or practice: nutrition counseling by licensed dietitians; also sells courses and NutriKey supplements
  How we know who this is
  “Nutritional Weight & Wellness was founded in 1993 by Darlene Kvist, a pioneering nutritionist whose passion for real food nutrition was deeply personal.” (their page)
  “At Nutritional Weight & Wellness, our licensed dietitians guide you in eating real foods in balance — bringing lasting relief and healing from low energy, hormone imbalance, digestive issues, weight struggles, chronic pain, and more.” (their page)
5
GLA supplements switch on fat burning and help weight loss.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Nutritional Weight & Wellness — a professional body or practice: nutrition counseling by licensed dietitians; also sells courses and NutriKey supplements
  How we know who this is
  “Nutritional Weight & Wellness was founded in 1993 by Darlene Kvist, a pioneering nutritionist whose passion for real food nutrition was deeply personal.” (their page)
  “At Nutritional Weight & Wellness, our licensed dietitians guide you in eating real foods in balance — bringing lasting relief and healing from low energy, hormone imbalance, digestive issues, weight struggles, chronic pain, and more.” (their page)