In the world of essential fatty acids, Omega 3s often steal the spotlight. But there's another unsung hero – gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an Omega 6 fatty acid, which has been widely researched for its role in women's health and skin health.
What is GLA and Why Do We Need It?
GLA is an Omega 6 fatty acid found less commonly in day-to-day food and drink. The best sources of GLA are from the oils of Evening Primrose Oil, Borage and Blackcurrant seeds.
The body can produce GLA from the essential Omega 6 fatty acid Linoleic Acid (LA), more commonly found in the diet in cooking oils, such as Sunflower Oil and Rapeseed Oil. The conversion of LA to GLA depends on the efficiency of a biological pathway, the rate of which varies from person to person. LA is heat sensitive and can be damaged during cooking processes. The damaged form that cannot be converted to GLA, which is why some may consider supplementing with GLA.
Despite the widespread belief that Omega 6 fats are bad for health, research has shown that GLA is converted into molecules that play a role in regulating inflammation, hormone production, and cellular function. All vital functions within the body!
GLA and Women's Health
Studies have shown that GLA is converted by the body into prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances. These play a role in a wide variety of bodily functions including maintenance of hormonal balance [1].
GLA has been researched for its role in both PMS and menopause symptoms.
GLA and Skin Health
GLA has also been researched for the role that it plays within the structure of cell membranes, a key component of each and every cell in our body, and vital for skin health.
Our recent study[2] using Efamol®’s High Strength Pure Evening Primrose Oil shows fantastic results for the appearance of women’s skin.
After taking Efamol® High Strength Pure Evening Primrose Oil for 12 weeks:
- 87% of women said that their skin looked and felt less dry
- 84% said their skin felt smoother
- 85% said that their skin felt softer
- 73% agreed that their skin appears to have a radiant glow
82% of respondents agreed that Efamol’s Pure Evening Primrose Oil supports beautifully smooth and nourished looking skin.
Try for yourself, get 15% off Efamol Evening Primrose Oil with the code GETYOURGLOW15
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Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet or healthy lifestyle.
[1] Brush M. et al 1990 Biochemistry of PMS. In: Horrobin DF (ed) Omega-6 EFAs:Pathophysiology and Roles in Clinical Medicine. NY:Liss 1990:513-522
[2] The research was conducted between 18 September - 26 November 2020 with 77 UK consumers (women) aged 18-65 years from the UK. The study was conducted by Cue Consumer Research. The study group took 6 x 500mg capsules a day for 12 weeks.