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Gamma-Linoeic Acid (GLA) is the result of the body's first biochemical
step in the transformation of the main essential fatty acid linoleic acid into important
prostaglandins. Prostaglandin's are essential to the proper functioning of each cell,
while essential fatty acids formed from GLA are required for each cell's structure.
Nature's most potent concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed
oil (24%). A great deal of scientific research has been conducted with supplements rich in
GLA, resulting in significant interest regarding the aforementioned health ailments, as
well as those affected by pre-menstrual syndrome, benign breast disease, eczema,
psoriasis, obesity, and vascular disorders.
The essential fatty acids combined here have proven to impart a regulatory function on the
body's fatty acid metabolism. Fat metabolism is as important, if not more important, than
our body's metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, as evidenced by the drastic rise in
fat-related degenerative diseases, such as vascular disease and strokes. Dietary essential
fatty acids common to borage seed oil are ultimately converted to hormone-like substances
known as prostaglandins, important for the regulation of a host of bodily functions
including:
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Inflammation, swelling, & pain
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Pressure in the eye, joints or blood vessels
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Secretions from mucus membranes and their viscosity
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Smooth muscle & autonomic reflexes, gastrointestinal, arterial, ear, heart
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Water retention
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Blood clotting ability
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Allergic response
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Nerve transmission
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Steroid production & hormone synthesis
Scientists continue to discover the regulating effects of prostaglandins. Without the
essential fatty acids, the building blocks of prostaglandins, a malfunction of fat
metabolism is certain, as are problems in the regulation of the above listed bodily
functions. For some individuals, flax seed oil may offer only half of the solution. Those deficient
in co-factor nutrients, specifically the vitamins pro-A, A, C, E, B2, B6, pantothenic
acid, B12, biotin, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and zinc,
sometimes have difficulty in converting the omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, found in
borage and other seed oils to the healthful prostaglandins.
Still others are thought to lack the necessary enzyme (catalyst) to make this conversion;
particularly those afflicted with diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis,
alcoholism and the aged. For those suffering from co-factor deficiencies, a broad spectrum
multi-vitamin and mineral may be recommended with, perhaps, an oil supplement rich in GLA.
Individuals who may lack the proper enzyme system would require a GLA supplement in
addition to the flax seed oil.
When considering an essential fatty acid supplement and deciding on either flax or borage
seed oils, the most sensible solution may be a formulation of the two. The combination of
both flax and borage seed oil yields a true Omega-Twin by providing nature's best of the
omega-3 fatty acids in flax with the best of omega-6 fatty acids in GLA rich borage oil.
Supplementation with flax seed & borage seed oils makes good sense for the following
reasons:
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Omega-3 fatty acids and GLA together on the production of beneficial
prostaglandins.
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Over 60 health problems have proven to benefit from both flax seed and borage seed
supplements.
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Flax seed oil combined with borage seed oil work together for even better results.
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Flax seed and borage seed oils combined is less expensive than purchasing them
separately.
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