Metabolic health
Gamma-linolenic acid (C18:3n-6)
GLA
Included in Complete.
Compare membershipsGLA is mostly a stepping stone to other omega-6 fats.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fat (omega-6s are one family of polyunsaturated fats) that your body makes from linoleic acid. It's usually present in small amounts, because it's quickly converted into DGLA, another omega-6 fat.
Supplements are the main outside source.
Few everyday foods contain GLA. It's found in human breast milk and in a few plant seed oils, such as borage, evening primrose, and black currant seed oils, which are mostly taken as supplements.
GLA has been studied for possible anti-inflammatory effects, but clinical trials have been much less conclusive than lab and animal studies. Researchers think differences in genes and enzyme activity help explain why people respond differently. For now, it's mostly a research and nutrition marker.
Questions
What does a higher GLA result mean?
It often reflects a supplement that contains GLA. Without supplements, it may relate to how actively your body converts linoleic acid, which the delta-6 desaturase index helps estimate.
Is a low GLA level a problem?
A low level usually isn't a concern. GLA is normally a small share of total fatty acids, and there's no established target. A clinician can review it with the rest of your omega-6 results.