Tuesday - February 10, 2009

SUPER GLA

Super GLA Key Ingredients 

Evening Primrose Oil (9 % GLA), Black Currant Oil (13 % GLA), Borage Oil (21 % GLA). 

Scientific Information 

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid (EFA) found primarily in certain plant oils, including evening primrose oil, borage oil and black currant oil. Essential fatty acids are required for human health but cannot be synthesized by the body. They must be obtained through dietary sources or through supplementation. GLA is converted in the body to dihomo-y-linolenic acid (DGLA), which is a precursor to certain eicosanoids. Eicosanoids, including prostaglandins, prostacydins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, are hormone-like compounds involved in inflammation, immunity and other body functions. In general, GLA promotes the formation of beneficial eicosanoids that decrease inflammation and modulate immune function. Inflammation plays a major role in many prevalent diseases. Decreasing inflammation may have a beneficial effect on these conditions.

Nervous System Health 

GLA promotes the formation of beneficial eicosanoids that decrease inflammation and modulate immune function.

Metabolites of GLA are known to be important in nerve membrane structure, nerve blood flow and nerve conduction. GLA may promote healthy nerve function and help prevent nerve damage symptoms, including tingling, pain, numbness, burning or loss of feeling in the hands, feet or other extremities. Studies show that GLA improves nerve conduction velocity and overall nerve health in diabetic neuropathy. 

Bone Health 

It is estimated that about 10 million Americans (both men and women) have osteoporosis, a debilitating disease in which bones become more fragile and prone to breakage. Essential fatty acids deficiencies (including GLA) can contribute to bone loss. GLA, taken with EPA (an omega-3 EFA) has been shown to maintain healthy bone mass. There is also some evidence that indicates that GLA increases calcium absorption and promotes healthy calcium balance in the body.

Joint Health 

Scientific research indicates that GLA might decrease joint pain and swelling. Several human studies have proven that GLA has anti-inflammatory effects. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with GLA have progressive improvement in arthritis symptoms. In one such trial, GLA was given to 56 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. After six months of treatment with GLA, patients saw a significant reduction in symptoms, including pain, swelling in the joints, morning stiffness and grip strength. Patients not receiving GLA did not show significant improvement. 

Female Glandular Support 

Some women report a reduction in the symptoms of PMS (including low mood, irritability, swelling and bloating) when supplementing with GLA. 

Skin Health 

Preliminary studies suggest that evening primrose oil (a rich source of GLA) is helpful for relieving skin problems such as redness, itching and scaling. Evening primrose oil is approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in the UK.

In a recent dinical trial, patients receiving evening primrose had a 96% improvement in dermatitis symptoms compared to only a 32 % improvement in patients not receiving evening primrose oil. 16 The beneficial effects of evening primrose oil on skin health are attributed to its GLA content.

Eye Health 

Some research indicates that GLA is helpful for dry eyes and eye inflammation. GLA has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of Sjogrens Syndrome (an auto-immune condition), including burning, dryness, itching and foreign body sensation.

Posted: Tuesday - February 10, 2009 at 02:08 PM
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Posted: Tuesday - February 10, 2009 at 02:08 PM
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