Gamma-Linoeic Acid (GLA) is the result of the body's first biochemical step in the transformation of the main essential fatty acid linoleic acid into important prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are essential to the proper functioning of each cell, while essential fatty acids formed from GLA are required for each cell's structure.

Nature's most potent concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil (24%). A great deal of scientific research has been conducted with supplements rich in GLA, resulting in significant interest regarding health ailments, as well as those affected by pre-menstrual syndrome, benign breast disease, eczema, psoriasis, obesity, and vascular disorders.

The essential fatty acids combined here have proven to impart a regulatory function on the body's fatty acid metabolism. Fat metabolism is as important, if not more important, than our body's metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, as evidenced by the drastic rise in fat-related degenerative diseases, such as vascular disease and stroke. Dietary essential fatty acids common to borage seed oil are ultimately converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins, important for the regulation of a host of bodily functions including:

• Inflammation, swelling, & pain

• Pressure in the eye, joints or blood vessels

• Secretions from mucus membranes and their viscosity

• Smooth muscle & autonomic reflexes, gastrointestinal, arterial, ear, heart

• Water retention

• Blood clotting ability

• Allergic response

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Nerve transmission

• Steroid production & hormone synthesis

Scientists continue to discover the regulating effects of prostaglandins. Without the essential fatty acids, the building blocks of prostaglandins, a malfunction of fat metabolism is certain, as are problems in the regulation of the bodily functions listed above.

For some individuals, flax seed oil may offer only half of the solution. Those deficient in co-factor nutrients, specifically the vitamins pro-A, A, C, E, B2, B6, pantothenic acid, B12, biotin, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and zinc, sometimes have difficulty in converting the omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, found in borage and other seed oils to the healthful prostaglandins.

Still others are thought to lack the necessary enzyme (catalyst) to make this conversion; particularly those afflicted with diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism and the aged. For those suffering from co-factor deficiencies, a broad spectrum multi-vitamin and mineral may be recommended with, perhaps, an oil supplement rich in GLA. Individuals who may lack the proper enzyme system would require a GLA supplement in addition to the flax seed oil.

When considering an essential fatty acid supplement and deciding on either flax or borage seed oils, the most sensible solution may be a formulation of the two. The combination of both flax and borage seed oil yields a true Omega-Twin by providing nature's best of the omega-3 fatty acids in flax with the best of omega-6 fatty acids in GLA rich borage oil.

Supplementation with flax seed & borage seed oils makes good sense for the following reasons:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids and GLA work together on the production of beneficial prostaglandins.
2. Over 60 health problems have proven to benefit from both flax seed and borage seed supplements.
3. Flax seed oil and borage seed oil work together for even better results.
4. Flax seed and borage seed oils combined is less expensive than purchasing them separately.

Conclusion

To achieve optimal health, the answer does not appear to be 'no fat', but the right fat, as common to flax and borage seed oils.

Past and present scientific research supports the use of essential fatty acid nutrients in promoting optimal health. Borage seed oil is recognized as nature's richest source of GLA. These natural plant substances used alone have created a great deal of interest in the treatment of numerous health problems. Evidence exists to suggest the combination of omega-3 fatty acids with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) may further complement the therapeutic result of either fatty acid used singularly.

Other Gamma Linolenic Acid Information

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have reported that high doses of GLA were highly effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. An earlier study by the same group had shown that administration of 1,100 mg. of GLA per day from borage seed oil reduced synovitis in six of seven patients with rheumatoid arthritis. GLA is rapidly converted to dihomogamma-linolenic acid, the immediate precursor of prostaglandin E1 which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Nature's most potent concentration (24%) of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil.

Other benefits of GLA include

1. Vasodilatation of blood vessels which can reduce high blood pressure
2. Reduction of abnormal blood clotting which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
3. Enhanced regulation of immune response
4. Enhanced defense against abnormal cell proliferation.
5. Control of common skin disorder such as eczema.
6. Slowing of some aspects of normal aging.

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