Gammalinolenic Acid

Description:
Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is changed into gamma-linolenic acid and then into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA is a precursor to the 1 series prostaglandins. The prostaglandins generated from DGLA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are antiinflammatory.

Black currant, borage and evening primrose oils contain gamma-linolenic acid(GLA).

Actions:
Gamma-linolenic fatty acid acts as a precursor to antiinflammatory products. GLA is an effective anti-inflammatory agent with none of the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. It also promotes healthy growth of skin, hair, and nails. It may be good for skin conditions, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.

Administration:
It takes six to eight weeks to see changes after adding GLA to the diet. Small to medium dogs should receive 500 mg of a GLA source daily, either as evening primrose oil, as black currant oil or as borage oil. Large dogs should receive 500 mg of a GLA source twice a day.

Comments:
Cats cannot convert GLA from linoleic acid because of the absence of delta-5-desaturase activity. They require dietary sources of this essential fatty acid.