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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:38
Dietary Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: November 29, 2013
[The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)--the therapeutic value]
Jacek Dobryniewski1, Sławomir Dariusz Szajda, Napoleon Waszkiewicz
1Oddzial III Ogólnopsychiatryczny z Pododdziałem Psychogeriatrii SPPZOZ w Choroszczy. j.dobryniewski@vp.pl
Przeglad Lekarski
|September 26, 2007
Summary
Essential fatty acid deficiency can cause health problems. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) shows promise for treating conditions like eczema and arthritis, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition Science
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency is linked to various pathological conditions.
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a commonly deficient EFA.
- GLA supplementation is being explored for several health concerns.
Purpose:
- To review the therapeutic potential of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
- To assess the efficacy of GLA supplementation in various conditions.
- To highlight the need for further clinical trials.
Summary:
- GLA supplementation has shown promising effects in managing diabetic neuropathy, eczema, cyclic mastalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and ADHD.
- Double-blind trials investigating GLA's efficacy have yielded mixed results, with some demonstrating statistically significant benefits and others raising doubts.
- Further rigorous clinical trials are necessary to definitively establish the therapeutic value and optimal use of GLA.
Impact:
- GLA is a safe, non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic substance.
- It presents a potential complementary therapy for supporting conventional treatments.
- This review underscores the importance of GLA in nutritional support and disease management.
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