What is Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)?

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in certain plant oils. In the body, it can be converted into compounds involved in regulating inflammation.

What are the main benefits of GLA?

GLA is commonly used to support joint comfort in inflammatory conditions, improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema), and support nerve function in diabetic neuropathy. Effects can vary by person and product.

What foods or oils contain GLA?

GLA is found in higher amounts in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. Typical diets contain little GLA compared with these concentrated sources.

What is a typical GLA dosage?

A common supplemental range is 240–480 mg of GLA per day. The amount of oil needed depends on the product’s labeled GLA content.

Who should be cautious with GLA supplements?

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have bleeding disorders, or take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should consult a clinician before use. Those with chronic conditions should also check for interactions and appropriate dosing.

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Gamma-
Linolenic Acid

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

An anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oils, GLA may aid joint, skin, and nerve health.

Digestion & Gut Health Anti-inflammatory Joint Healt Skin Health Neuroprotective

dose range

240–480 mg

divided into two doses daily

Consumption

Take with food, preferably in oil-based formulations for better absorption.

Fat-soluble: take with fat.

Best time

GLA is best absorbed with meals containing fat.

Description

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid sourced primarily from plant oils such as evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. It is a precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and is commonly used for inflammatory and dermatological conditions.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Most clinical studies show moderate benefits for rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and diabetic neuropathy, but effects can be variable and more large trials are needed.

Improves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Moderate

Supplementation with GLA may reduce joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness by modulating inflammatory mediators in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Particularly relevant for: Adults with inflammatory joint pain

S2 · PubMed: Gamma-linolenic acid—an antiinflammatory omega-6 fatty acid

Reduces symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Moderate

Oral GLA has shown benefit in improving skin barrier function and reducing itching and severity scores in individuals with eczema.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals with atopic dermatitis · Children and adults with eczema

S3 · PubMed: Evening primrose oil supplementation in atopic dermatitis S6 · EFSA Scientific Opinion on GLA and skin health

Supports nerve function in diabetic neuropathy

Moderate

GLA supplementation may improve nerve conduction and reduce neuropathic symptoms in diabetic individuals.

Particularly relevant for: Adults with diabetes and neuropathy

S4 · PubMed: Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

GLA is generally well tolerated, but caution is advised for specific populations and with drug interactions.

warning notices

Mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as soft stools or stomach upset are possible.
May increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medications.
Seizure threshold may be lowered in susceptible individuals.
Avoid GLA supplements if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy.
Use only with clinician supervision if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Monitor for increased bleeding risk if taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Discontinue use prior to surgery due to possible bleeding risk.

Known interactions with medications

Anticoagulants/antiplatelets
Phenothiazines

Contraindications / special precautions

History of seizure disorders
Pregnancy or breastfeeding without clinician oversight

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

GLA may interact with medications affecting clotting and should be used cautiously in individuals with a history of seizures.

Potential increased bleeding risk when combined with blood-thinners.

drug · Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs

CautionModerate

Why

GLA may have antiplatelet actions, increasing the effect of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

recommendation

Monitor for signs of bleeding and consult a clinician if using GLA alongside these medications.

S1 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Evening Primrose Oil Fact Sheet S5 · Examine.com—Gamma-Linolenic Acid Review

May increase seizure risk with phenothiazines.

drug · Phenothiazines (antipsychotic medications)

AvoidLimited

Why

GLA may lower the seizure threshold when used alongside phenothiazines.

recommendation

Do not use GLA if taking phenothiazine drugs.

S1 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Evening Primrose Oil Fact Sheet

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins

GLA serves as a precursor to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which is metabolized into prostaglandins that have anti-inflammatory actions.

S2 · PubMed: Gamma-linolenic acid—an antiinflammatory omega-6 fatty acid

Supports skin barrier integrity

GLA may increase the production of ceramides and improve epidermal barrier function, reducing trans-epidermal water loss in eczema.

S3 · PubMed: Evening primrose oil supplementation in atopic dermatitis S6 · EFSA Scientific Opinion on GLA and skin health

Promotes nerve protection in diabetes

GLA increases prostaglandin synthesis that can protect nerve cells and support nerve conduction in diabetic neuropathy.

S4 · PubMed: Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

6 sources

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Evening Primrose Oil Fact Sheet

PubMed: Gamma-linolenic acid—an antiinflammatory omega-6 fatty acid

PubMed: Evening primrose oil supplementation in atopic dermatitis

PubMed: Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid

Examine.com—Gamma-Linolenic Acid Review

EFSA Scientific Opinion on GLA and skin health

Laatst bijgewerkt: 7 februari 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.