Weight Loss Properties of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

Several recently conducted studies have shown that gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, can be a good aid for those who wish to lose excess weight. Scientists of the University of California have also found that taking GLA-containing supplements can be beneficial for sustaining healthy weight in those individuals who were formerly obese but lost a lot of weight. However, plant sources of GLA might not completely satisfy our needs in this essential fatty acid.

The researchers from California studied the effect of GLA supplementation on formerly overweight or obese volunteers who had managed to considerably slim down. Fifty volunteers were divided into two groups. For a period of one year, the first group was taking a daily dietary supplement containing five grams of GLA-rich borage oil, while the control group received the same amount of olive oil instead. Five grams of borage oil provided approximately 900 milligrams of gamma-linolenic acid. After a year, the GLA and placebo groups showed different parameters of weight regain, with the lowest regain observed among those who had been taking borage oil.

The authors of the study commented that supplemented GLA could be a powerful aid for both those who want to shed off unwanted pounds and those who wish to sustain their healthy weight, particularly after they have lost excess poundage.

This interesting finding has confirmed what was suspected before about weight loss benefits of essential fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid. Essential fatty acids, or fatty substances that the human body cannot manufacture but must get from dietary sources, belong to a group of polyunsaturated fats and include Omega-6, or linolenic, and Omega-3 acids. While Omega-3 fats have presently gained a lot of scientific and media attention for their strong health-promoting qualities, different types of linolenic fatty acids are very important to sustain health and optimal weight, as well.

Linolenic acid can be found in relatively large amounts in particular seed oils, especially fungal (25%), borage (about 23%), black currant (17%), hemp, and evening primrose (10%) oils. Another important source of this essential fatty acid is deep-water fish and certain organ meats of ruminant animal, especially liver in which GLA occurs in a preformed state that does not require an additional conversion within the human body. Fully-formed GLA is also contained in human breast milk. In addition, numerous commercially-produced supplements offer GLA-rich seed oils in a liquid, or capsule, form.

However, some researchers claim that many people are unable to transform linolenic fatty acids from plant sources into a fully-formed type of GLA, like that found in animal organs. In order to be utilized by our bodies, a seed-based linolenic acid needs to broken down by a specific enzyme known as delta-6 desaturase, or D6D. Yet, numerous health conditions, such as alcoholism, type 2 diabetes, or an underactive thyroid or a poor pituitary function; vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially lack of the B-group vitamins and zinc; and certain dietary factors, including overeating  or consumption of trans-fatty acids from hydrogenated margarines and fast-foods, can severely interfere with the production of D6D. Interestingly, many individuals with the above conditions or deficiencies, who may also be lacking GLA, usually tend to suffer from pronounced forms of overweight or obesity.

Another group of people who are unable to convert dietary sources of linolenic acid into usable GLA are those whose ancestors consumed large amounts of meat, cold-water fish, and animal / fish organs which provided already pre-formed types of essential fatty acids. The Inuit, American Aboriginals, African Masai, and other groups of “obligate carnivores” cannot readily satisfy their needs in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids if they are derived from plant sources.

In addition to facilitating weight loss, GLA supplementation may be necessary for people suffering from a whole range of diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, depression, PMS, cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, fibromyalgia, and diabetes. Besides, gamma-linolenic acid has a documented positive effect on cardiovascular health, diabetic neuropathy, and high blood pressure.

In order to encourage weight loss, prevent weight regain, and get full health benefits from pre-formed essential fatty acids, it is advisable to include into your menu not only plant sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, but also such animal foods as cold-ocean fish and liver of ruminant animals.

Lada Brown