Gamma-linolenic acid (18:3, GLA)
MetabolismAlso known as: GLA, evening primrose oil fatty acid
GLA 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
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).
How often should I test Gamma-linolenic acid (18:3, GLA)?
Most adults benefit from yearly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) testing as part of a fatty acid panel. After a sustained change in diet or supplementation, retest at 3 to 4 months.
At baseline / for screening: Once every 12 months as part of a fatty acid panel. More frequently, every 3 to 6 months, if you're managing a cardiometabolic concern where fatty acids matter.
When monitoring an intervention or change: Retest 3 to 4 months after a sustained change in dietary fat, such as increasing fatty fish, omega-3 supplements (EPA/DHA), or reducing seed oils. Red cell membranes take this long to fully reflect the new intake. Day-to-day variability is minimal, so only sustained dietary patterns shift the picture meaningfully; don't expect quick changes from short-term diet shifts.
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