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Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
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BASIC INFORMATIONGamma-linolenic acid is found in a supplement called evening
primrose oil.
Brand names:
Primrose-Oil Capsules
Evening Star
Fever Plant
Field Primrose
King's-cure-all
Nature's Way Soft Gel Evening Primrose Oil(R)
Night Willow Herb(R)
Optimax(R)
Primrose(R)
Scabish(R)
Tree Primrose(R)
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? Yes
Prescription required? No
NATURAL SOURCES
Evening primrose (a plant)
Fish
Human mother's milk
REASONS TO USE
Helps inhibit coughing.
Is an essential nutrient.
Acts as an astringent.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
May have an anti-clotting factor, which would make it useful
in the prevention of heart attacks caused by thrombosis.
Helps people suffering from atopic eczema or eczema due to
allergy.
Is used in external preparations to treat skin eruptions, such
as psoriasis.
Helps treat migraines.
Helps treat asthma.
Treats arthritis.
Alleviates symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Treats schizophrenia.
Is effective against obesity.
Makes fingernails stronger.
Treats hangovers.
General "cure-all" for many other disorders.
WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?
Those on greatly restricted fat and oil intake.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
None
UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS
Eczema-like lesions
Hair loss
Reduced immunological response
Kidney disease
Inability of wounds to heal properly
LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY
None available, except for experimental purposes.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):
No RDA has been established.
What this supplement does:
Functions as one of the sources of essential fatty acids.
Miscellaneous information:
Evening primrose grows wild. A long spike of yellow flowers
open at night. Oil can be expressed from the tiny seeds of the
flower.
Linolenic acid, working with enzymes, becomes part of some
prostaglandins. Prostaglandins sometimes limit inflammatory
reactions in the body and sometimes cause inflammatory
reactions. Taking evening primrose oil may cause unpredictable,
harmful effects.
Nutrition authorities do not recommend supplements in healthy
people.
Available as:
Capsules: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Don't chew
or crush. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are healthy and eat a well-balanced diet.
Consult your doctor if you have:
Any illness.
Over age 55:
Don't take if you are healthy.
Pregnancy:
Don't take if you are healthy.
Breast-feeding:
Don't take if you are healthy.
Effect on lab tests:
None known.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't
freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture
may change action of supplement.
OVERDOSE/TOXICITY
Signs and symptoms:
Unlikely to threaten life or cause significant symptoms.
What to do:
For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue supplement, and
consult doctor. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
section below.
For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire
bottle): Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest
Poison Control Center.
ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
| Reaction or effect |
What to do |
| Can make symptoms of some |
Don't take. |
| problems, such as asthma, |
| migraines, arthritis, worse |
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INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS
None known
INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
None known
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From Complete Guide to Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Putnam Publishing
Group. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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