Gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6, GLA)
Omega fatty acidsAlso known as: GLA, evening primrose oil fatty acid, Omega-6
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.
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 (omega-6, 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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