Gamma-linolenic acid (18:3, GLA)
MetabolismGLA is an omega-6 fatty acid found in certain plant oils such as evening primrose and borage.
It helps maintain a healthy inflammatory balance.
Reference range
523
Intermediate
Normal
High
mg/l
Source: lab benchmark
Reference ranges may vary between labs and assays. Always interpret results with your healthcare provider.
Why this matters
GLA may support skin, joint, and overall inflammatory health. Monitoring GLA helps understand how well your body can balance omega-6 fats for long-term health.
How this connects to other biomarkers
- Gamma-Linolenic Acid is the precursor to Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid (20:3, DGLA) and the anti-inflammatory PGE1 pathway.
- Low GLA with low DGLA suggests inadequate intake (evening primrose, borage) or impaired delta-6-desaturase activity (associated with aging, diabetes, insulin resistance — see HOMA-Index).
Included in
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