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    gamma-Linolenic acid

    Facts and Food Sources of gamma-Linolenic acid

    By EmilyJanuary 20, 2019Updated:May 3, 2019No Comments2 Mins Read

    Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA is a fatty acid which is primarily in vegetable oils. When acting on GLA, Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase generates no leukotrienes and conversion by enzyme of arachidonic acid to leukotrienes is inhibited. It is a fatty acid which is found in various plant seed oils such as evening primrose oil and borage oil. It is used for conditions which affect skin which includes systemic sclerosis, eczema and psoriasis. It is used for high cholesterol, polyps in mouth, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome.

    History

    First, GLA was isolated from the evening primrose seed oil. Native Americans treat swelling in the body. It was introduced in 17th century and a folk remedy commonly known as king’s cures all. Luft and Heiduschka extracted oil in 1919 from evening primrose seeds and described unusual linoleic acid which was named γ-. Later Riley characterized exact chemical structure. Though there are α- and γ- forms of linolenic acid, there is no β- form. It was once identified but turned out to be an artifact of original analytical process.

    Health Benefits of gamma-Linolenic acid

    1. Atopic eczema

    Supplements of GLA such as evening primrose oil are found to be beneficial in lowering an intensity of the allergic response, itching, scaling and skin sensitivity.

    1. Rheumatoid arthritis

    GLA supplementation promotes formation of PGE1 and may lower inflammation or joint stiffness.

    1. Psoriasis

    GLA can lower redness, skin inflammation and scaling.

    1. Diabetes

    Diabetics have debilitated ability to convert linoleic acid to GLA. GLA supplementation could be beneficial for lowering hyper-lipidemia and promoting motor or sensory nerve function in diabetic neuropathy.

    1. PMS

    GLA improve PMS symptoms which includes irritability, depression, breast tenderness, and fluid retention.

    1. Hyperactivity

    Children having hyperactivity are at higher chances of EFA deficiency and are beneficial from GLA supplementation.

    1. Hyperlipidemia

    GLA may lower plasma total cholesterol.

    Dietary Sources

    Food name Weight (g) gamma-Linolenic acid (g)
    Hemp seeds 30 0.402
    Margarine 259 0.210
    Coleslaw 167 0.110
    Mozzarella cheese 228 0.103
    French fries 184 0.088
    Pine nuts 135 0.070
    Egg 85 0.046
    Avocado 230 0.034
    Brazilnuts 133 0.024
    Kielbasa 370 0.022
    Sausage 43 0.021
    Mayonnaise 13.8 0.017
    Turkey 85 0.017
    Queso fresco cheese 122 0.011
    Bacon 85 0.005
    Cream 94 0.005
    Sockeye salmon 85 0.004
    Plantains 118 0.004
    Oyster 85 0.003
    Swiss cheese 132 0.003

     

    References:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Linolenic_acid

    https://www.rxlist.com/gamma_linolenic_acid/supplements.htm

    http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000305

    Fat G
    Emily

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