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| Photo copyright Steven Foster |
What does it do? Evening primrose oil (EPO), black currant seed oil, and borage oil contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator.
Linoleic acid, a common fatty acid found in nuts, seeds, and most vegetable oils (including EPO), should theoretically convert to PGE1. But many things can interfere with this conversion, including disease, the aging process, saturated fat, hydrogenated oils, blood sugar problems, and inadequate vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. Supplements that provide GLA circumvent these conversion problems, leading to more predictable formation of PGE1.1
Where is it found? Evening primrose oil is found primarily in supplements. The active ingredient, GLA, can also be found in black current seed oil and borage oil supplements.
In what conditions might evening primrose oil be supportive?
| • atherosclerosis
• diabetes • eczema |
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) |
Who is likely to be deficient? Those with premenstrual syndrome,2 diabetes,3 and eczema4 can have a metabolic block that interferes with the body’s ability to make GLA. Many people in Western societies may be at least partially GLA deficient as a result of aging, glucose intolerance, dietary fat intake, and other problems. Individuals with deficiencies benefit from supplemental GLA intake from evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, or borage oil.
How much should I take? Although many people may have inadequate levels of GLA, the optimal intake for this nutrient remains unknown. Researchers often use 3,000-6,000 mg of evening primrose oil per day, which provides approximately 270-360 mg of GLA.
Are there any side effects or interactions? Consistent, reproducible problems from taking evening primrose oil have not been reported.
Other nutrients are needed by the body, along with evening primrose oil, to make PGE1. Consequently, some experts suggest that magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B6 should be taken along with evening primrose oil.
References:
1. Horrobin DF. The importance of gamma-linolenic acid
and prostaglandin E1 in human nutrition and medicine. J Holistic Med 1981;3:118-39.
2. Horrobin DF, Manku M, Brush M, et al.
Abnormalities in plasma essential fatty acid levels in women with pre-menstrual syndrome
and with non-malignant breast disease. J Nutr Med 1991;2:259-64.
3. Kleen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al. Treatment of
diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. Diabetes Care 1993;16:8-15
[reviews].
4. Manku MS, Horrobin, DF, Morse NL, et al.
Essential fatty acids in the plasma phospholipids of patients with atopic eczema. Brit
J Derm 1984;110:643.
Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.