Metabolic health
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (C20:3n-6)
Homo-gamma-linolenic acid
Included in Complete.
Compare membershipsMidway along the path from linoleic to arachidonic acid.
DGLA is an omega-6 fat (omega-6s are one family of polyunsaturated fats) that your body makes from gamma-linolenic acid, which in turn comes from linoleic acid. Some DGLA is then converted into arachidonic acid, so its level reflects how your body processes omega-6 fats.
Its signals tend to differ from arachidonic acid's.
In laboratory studies, some molecules made from DGLA have anti-inflammatory effects, while many made from arachidonic acid promote inflammation. Only part of DGLA is converted to arachidonic acid, because the enzyme involved has limited activity.
How much DGLA builds up varies between people, partly because of common differences in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes. Research on what a given level means for health is still developing.
Questions
Why might my DGLA be higher?
It can reflect GLA supplements, which are quickly converted to DGLA, or a slower conversion of DGLA into arachidonic acid. The delta-5 desaturase index, calculated from these two results, helps show that balance.
Can my DGLA level change?
Yes. It can shift with GLA supplements and with your diet, though not always in the way you'd expect. In one diet study, eating more linoleic acid actually lowered DGLA. A clinician can help you decide whether any change is worth trying.
Sources and references
- Wang, Lin, and Gu, Multiple roles of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid against proliferation diseases (Lipids Health Dis, 2012)
- Sergeant, Rahbar, and Chilton, Gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, eicosanoids, and inflammatory processes (Eur J Pharmacol, 2016)
- Liou and Innis, Dietary linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and eicosadienoic acid in plasma of adult men (Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 2009)