GLA/omega-6

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http://www.fatsforhealth.com/library/libitems/omega6.php3

 

GLA: The " good " omega-6

If you've been focusing only on omega-3 sources of good fats you could

be overlooking a giant among nutrients

 

By Ann Louise Gittleman, MS, CNS

Source: Total Health for Longevity magazine

Date Published: September 2000

 

Have you caught the buzz? It's hard to miss. All across the continent-

in magazine articles, newpapers, books, on TV and in websites-the health

benefits from the right kind of fats are making the news.

Health-conscious people across the country are consuming flaxseed,

pumpkin seed, fatty fish, and fish oils in record amounts to get the

benefits of " omega-3 " essential fatty acids. Indeed, these good fats can

have an amazing impact on health: the omega-3s have taken center stage

for their beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, menopausal discomforts,

immune system dysfunction and cancer.

 

In all the hype, many people have come to believe that " omega-6 " fats

are " bad " and that only omega-3s are good. Yes, some omega-6s are bad

when consumed in excess - primarily linoleic acid, found in many

vegetable oils, grains and seeds. But there is another fat in the

omega-6 family which is a powerful key to vibrant health and radiant

beauty: GLA, or gamma linolenic acid. In fact, your body needs the right

balance of omega-3s as well as GLA from the omega-6 family, much like it

needs the proper combination of vitamins and minerals for smooth-running

metabolic functions. So if you've been primarily focusing on the omega-3

sources of good fats, you could very well be overlooking an amazing

giant among nutrients.

 

GLA-the good omega-6

The power of GLA comes from the production of anti-inflammatory,

hormone-like substances called eicosanoids. This powerful family of

compounds includes prostaglandins, short-lived elements that regulate

metabolic processes down to the cellular level. The specific

prostaglandin, PGE1 is responsible for the numerous health and beauty

benefits associated with fatty acids such as the ability to soothe skin,

promote healing and regulate water loss. Thanks to their

anti-inflammatory properties, GLA-regulated prostaglandins help to

distend blood vessels so the bloodstream can move smoothly. They also

aid in restraining blood clotting as well as abating the swelling, pain

and redness caused by bodily injuries.

 

With GLA being so vital to the system, making sure your body has

sufficient amounts of it would be a wise step. But that's not as easy as

it sounds. A healthy body can use some of the linoleic acid it gets in

the diet to produce GLA. The truth is most of us don't properly utilize

linoleic acid. There are a number of dietary and lifestyle factors

inhibiting the conversion of linoleic acid to GLA: sugar consumption,

smoking, alcohol, chemical carcinogens, aging and illnesses (viral

infections, cancer, diabetes, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease,

cholesterol, and hormonal fluctuations).

 

In addition, there are major metabolic roadblocks which get in the way

of the conversion. The main culprits are the " bad " fats: trans-fatty

acids from margarine, vegetable shortening and commercially processed

vegetable oils. These are biologically inferior fats, totally incapable

of being converted into the powerful GLA. Instead, they actually hinder

the very catalyst needed for the GLA transformation, a special enzyme

called D6D (Delta-6-Desaturase) and its vital co-workers-vitamin C,

vitamin B6, vitamin B3, zinc and magnesium.

 

So if you thought your diet already had far too many omega-6s-think

again. What you more than likely have is a diet loaded with commercially

processed vegetable oil, shortening and margarine - all of which are

nutritionally worthless and capable of triggering an essential fatty

acid deficiency. And that leads to an imbalance in prostaglandin levels,

resulting in skin problems such as itching, eczema, reddish or dry

patches of skin, particularly on the face, arms, legs and buttocks.

Adding insult to injury, your hair could discolor and thin, and your

nails could crack and break.

 

What's the answer? Supplementation with a good source of GLA can go a

long way to restoring the balance of fats our bodies were meant to have.

You can readily boost your GLA levels by supplementing with botanicals

like borage oil, which is the richest natural source of this beautifying

nutrient.

 

Borage oil: a proven GLA power source

For more than 1500 years, the blue, star-shaped flowers of the borage

plant have been used in elixirs and medicinal teas because of its

healing properties. Borage oil, or " starflower " , as the botanical is

known, contains up to 24% GLA-a much higher concentration than evening

primrose (with about 8% GLA) or black currant oil (with about 15% GLA).

 

Numerous studies have been conducted with borage oil, which ultimately

demonstrate the oil's high-level efficacy when used either orally or

topically. Current research with oral supplements has shown borage oil's

ability to augment eicosanoid levels and thereby relieve chronic

inflammation. In a variety of other studies-on animals and humans-skin

disorders associated with essential fatty acid deficiencies proved to

have a marked amelioration in both the skin's appearance and overall

health when borage oil was included in the dietary regimen. Additional

research with topical applications revealed the oil's ability to provide

the same level of improvement as it did when taken orally. Even

environmentally damaged and habitually dry skin received renewed

moisture and smoothness. That was also the case with 48 infants having

cradle cap (dry crusts typically occurring on the scalp, face, armpits,

chest and groin area). According to one clinical study, even areas where

borage oil wasn't applied were healed, proving its ability to penetrate

the skin and deliver GLA for eicosanoid synthesis. As a matter of fact,

the GLA properties contained in borage oil are so notable in enhancing

skin that both the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology and the

British Journal of Dermatology recognize its benefits.

 

Borage oil also has a long-standing reputation in Europe, particularly

in England where the starflower is used as a symbol for the country's

largest cancer fund-raising campaign. Starflower oil-as it is called

overseas-has even made a big splash with the Land Down Under,

particularly with PMS-sufferers. Fluctuating hormones can interfere with

the conversion of linoleic acid to GLA, resulting in a GLA deficiency as

well as breast pain, irritability, depression and water retention. Which

is why many Australian women turn to the natural healing oil for relief

of irritating menstrual symptoms.

 

And since borage oil contains the highest GLA concentration of any oil

available, it is fast becoming the most convenient and economical GLA

source here in North America. Consumers are discovering they need fewer

capsules overall to achieve the recommended one to two gram daily GLA

dosage.

 

GLA-the remarkable rewards

As you probably are beginning to see, adding a rich source of GLA (like

borage oil) to your daily regime is a smart health move. It does, after

all, help fight eczema, psoriasis, and heart problems (like

atherosclerosis), among many other conditions. You could say that GLA

wears a variety of health-promoting hats:

 

PMS De-Stressor. Those monthly hormonal swings can disrupt GLA

production. Studies suggest 480 to 960 mg of GLA every day - that's two

to four grams of borage oil - can offer relief from those irritating

symptoms (such as cramps, breast tenderness, water retention and

irritability) and give hormonal production support.

Immune Booster. GLA production decreases with viral infection or

illness. Supplementing with GLA helps safeguard immune defenses. In

fact, when GLA (with EPA) was given to chronic fatigue sufferers, their

symptoms improved dramatically.

Cholesterol Reducer. A reduction in PGE1 wreaks havoc on cholesterol

levels. Taking 250 to 1000 mg of GLA daily has been shown to increase

PGE1 levels while reducing cholesterol.

Cancer Fighter. In one study, terminally ill patients suffering from

pancreatic cancer tripled their life expectancy after taking extensive

doses of GLA. It is also believed that tumor growth and metastasis can

be quelled with GLA-especially in melanoma and colon or breast cancer.

Arthritis Reliever. Mobility, morning stiffness and inflammation have

all been eased by GLA supplementation, which helps suppress T-cell

proliferation. One study also found that patients were able to reduce

their usage of potentially harmful NSAIDs while they were taking GLA

supplementation. Studies have found that effective dosages are in the

range of 1.4 to 2.8 grams of GLA per day - the equivalent of 6 to 11

grams of borage oil daily.

MS Halter. Of the patients responding to GLA supplementation, around 40%

experience the disease either retarding or stopping. It took higher

doses of 500-1000 mg of GLA to achieve the benefit.

Diabetic Stopper. GLA has been shown in conclusive studies to stop the

progression of nerve disease and help with nerve functions. Additional

studies suggest GLA may even be a catalyst in hindering nerve

deterioration at the start.

In all cases, GLA must be used long-term to achieve maximum benefits.

For example, many arthritis patients report that their joints feel

looser after 6 weeks of supplementation - yet they continue to improve

for many months when they continue supplementation.

 

GLA is not only the gatekeeper to our health, but to our appearance as

well. Beauty-wise, this incredible nutrient really goes all out,

flaunting its anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating prowess. It actually

increases cell resilience and moistens the fatty layer beneath the skin,

delivering a multitude of beautifying benefits such as:

 

producing a dewy complexion

aiding collagen loss

soothing dry, scaly skin

combating wrinkles

nourishing straw-like hair

strengthening brittle nails

helping to prevent dandruff

GLA . . . health promoter, beautifier, hormone balancer. Now that's what

I call one giant of a nutrient!

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[Guest guest]

-

" the desert_rat " <ron

 

Sunday, December 23, 2001 4:27 AM

GLA/omega-6

 

 

> GLA-the good omega-6

> The power of GLA comes from the production of anti-inflammatory,

> hormone-like substances called eicosanoids. This powerful family of

> compounds includes prostaglandins, short-lived elements that regulate

> metabolic processes down to the cellular level. The specific

> prostaglandin, PGE1 is responsible for the numerous health and beauty

> benefits associated with fatty acids such as the ability to soothe skin,

> promote healing and regulate water loss. Thanks to their

> anti-inflammatory properties, GLA-regulated prostaglandins help to

> distend blood vessels so the bloodstream can move smoothly. They also

> aid in restraining blood clotting as well as abating the swelling, pain

> and redness caused by bodily injuries.

 

Hi,

 

Omega 6 GLA is not the active form and must first be converted into Omega 6 DGLA

by the elongase enzyme. DGLA is then

used to make the good eicosanoid hormone PGE1. However the delta 5 desaturase

enzyme will attempt to convert it into

Omega 6 AA and thus to elevate AA and the bad PGE2 while lowering DGLA and the

good PGE1

 

The main limiter of this conversion is Omega 3 EPA and without EPA, most of the

dietary GLA will end up as AA and not

DGLA.

 

Anyone using Omega 6 GLA should also use Omega 3 EPA.

========================

Good Health & Long Life,

Greg Watson, gowatson

USDA database (food breakdown) http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/

PubMed (research papers) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi

DWIDP (nutrient analysis) http://www.walford.com/dwdemo/dw2b63demo.exe

Patch file for above http://www.walford.com/download/dwidp67u.exe

KIM (omega analysis) http://ods.od.nih.gov/eicosanoids/KIM_Install.exe

[Guest guest]

Greg Watson wrote:

 

> Omega 6 GLA is not the active form and must first be converted into Omega 6

DGLA by the elongase enzyme. DGLA is then

> used to make the good eicosanoid hormone PGE1. However the delta 5 desaturase

enzyme will attempt to convert it into

> Omega 6 AA and thus to elevate AA and the bad PGE2 while lowering DGLA and the

good PGE1

>

> The main limiter of this conversion is Omega 3 EPA and without EPA, most of

the dietary GLA will end up as AA and not

> DGLA.

 

Auuughghh..... Those 2 paragraphs didn't make ANY sense to me! I just wish I

could understand! :/

 

Canola oil, good or bad? How about the organic kind from the health food store?

Good or bad?

 

Mindy

[Guest guest]

-

" Mindy Behymer " <mindy

 

Monday, December 24, 2001 8:05 AM

Re: GLA/omega-6

 

 

> Greg Watson wrote:

>

> > Omega 6 GLA is not the active form and must first be converted into Omega 6

DGLA by the elongase enzyme. DGLA is

then

> > used to make the good eicosanoid hormone PGE1. However the delta 5

desaturase enzyme will attempt to convert it

into

> > Omega 6 AA and thus to elevate AA and the bad PGE2 while lowering DGLA and

the good PGE1

> >

> > The main limiter of this conversion is Omega 3 EPA and without EPA, most of

the dietary GLA will end up as AA and

not

> > DGLA.

>

> Auuughghh..... Those 2 paragraphs didn't make ANY sense to me! I just wish I

could understand! :/

>

> Canola oil, good or bad? How about the organic kind from the health food

store? Good or bad?

 

Hi Mindy,

 

OK try this

 

Omega 6 LA (from food)

V

V

V

Omega 6 GLA (Epo & Borage oil)

V

V

V

Omega 6 DGLA >>>> PGE1

V

V (Inhibited by Omega 3 EPA)

V

Omega 6 AA >>>> PGE2 (Also from red meat & eggs)

 

You want more PGE1 and less PGE2 and adding EPA to your diet one way to do it.

 

========================

Good Health & Long Life,

Greg Watson, gowatson

USDA database (food breakdown) http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/

PubMed (research papers) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi

DWIDP (nutrient analysis) http://www.walford.com/dwdemo/dw2b63demo.exe

Patch file for above http://www.walford.com/download/dwidp67u.exe

KIM (omega analysis) http://ods.od.nih.gov/eicosanoids/KIM_Install.exe

[Guest guest]

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<>

>

> Greg Watson

> 12/24/2001 7:47:01 AM

> Gettingwell

> Re: GLA/omega-6

> Anyone using Omega 6 GLA should also use Omega 3 EPA.

 

Hi Greg,

I just reduced your learned post to the bottom line which I can

understand.

I was thinking that omega-3 was a given and I don't think anyone

disagrees.

 

Just wanted to input the GLA info. and your cautionary note is certainly

an important one.

 

Ron

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Greg

 

I brought some Falx oil with both the Omega 6's and 3's in it. It is

revolting to taste. How does one take it to disguise the taste?

 

Also, the test you said that I should get done on Beks? Tell me the name of

it again please. She is going to have a myriad of tests done on Jan 14th.

I will make sure that one is included. Do you think it is worth getting

mine done as well?

 

Thanks

 

TRacy

[Guest guest]

-

" Nick Grant " <nwgrant

 

Monday, December 24, 2001 12:53 PM

Re: GLA/omega-6

 

 

> Greg

>

> I brought some Falx oil with both the Omega 6's and 3's in it. It is

> revolting to taste. How does one take it to disguise the taste?

 

It should taste nutty. Suspect your is rancid. Fresh ground organic flax is

never rancid.

 

> Also, the test you said that I should get done on Beks? Tell me the name of

> it again please.

 

Red blood cell membrane fatty acid analysis. Also called rbc phospholipid

analysis.

 

> She is going to have a myriad of tests done on Jan 14th.

> I will make sure that one is included. Do you think it is worth getting

> mine done as well?

 

Yes. Its as important as cholesterol. Also get homocysteine and c reactive

protein.

 

Greg

[Guest guest]

Was that last bit for her or me - the homocysteine bit - ??

 

Thanks

 

Tracy

[Guest guest]

Mindy,

Good Afternoon!

As for Canola oils i.e. rapeseed oil... the last report still

lists it among the Genetically Engineered species... including

Spectrum according to the FDA and others. Article in it's entirety

posted separately. HFS varieties included according to the authors.

Hmmmm...undoubtedly cross-contamination. The contamination of the

ecosphere is down the road a bit they say...

I wonder.

JoAnn

 

Gettingwell, Mindy Behymer <mindy@l...> wrote:

> Greg Watson wrote:

>

> > Omega 6 GLA is not the active form and must first be converted

into Omega 6 DGLA by the elongase enzyme. DGLA is then

> > used to make the good eicosanoid hormone PGE1. However the delta

5 desaturase enzyme will attempt to convert it into

> > Omega 6 AA and thus to elevate AA and the bad PGE2 while lowering

DGLA and the good PGE1

> >

> > The main limiter of this conversion is Omega 3 EPA and without

EPA, most of the dietary GLA will end up as AA and not

> > DGLA.

>

> Auuughghh..... Those 2 paragraphs didn't make ANY sense to me! I

just wish I could understand! :/

>

> Canola oil, good or bad? How about the organic kind from the

health food store? Good or bad?

>

> Mindy

[Guest guest]

Hi Tracy,

 

Both. Homocystine is an independent risk factor for CHD and reflects dietary

intake of B12, Folate and B6. Folate is

the more important of the 3 and is needed for much more than homocysteine

reduction.

 

Greg

[Guest guest]

Evening Greg,

 

Both. Homocystine is an independent risk factor for CHD and reflects

dietary intake of B12, Folate and B6. Folate is the more important of the

3 and is needed for much more than homocysteine reduction.

 

Do you think the normal ranges for homocysteine are realistic, and do

they actually

mean something?

 

Also, what about the C-reactive protein, and what must be done to

lower it a point or two. Actually the way it is measured, a reduction

of .05 to .08 would get someone in the center of the normal range, if they

was barely out of the high limit.

 

Wayne

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

-

" Wayne Fugitt " <wayne

 

Thursday, December 27, 2001 10:44 AM

Re: GLA/omega-6

 

 

> Do you think the normal ranges for homocysteine are realistic, and do

> they actually mean something?

 

There is a lot of research showing a strong positive correlation. Mine is 6.2,

which is about where you should be.

 

> Also, what about the C-reactive protein, and what must be done to

> lower it a point or two.

 

C reactive protein is also a marker of immune activity and can thus be very

high. There is a better test, but its name

skips by mind at present. Will find out.

 

Lipoprotein A and homocysteine are, in my opinion, better markers.

 

Greg