A Fatty Acid from Borage Seed Oil
You may be wondering... why take extra oil when you are working so hard to decrease fats and oils in you diet? It turns out that not all fats and oils are bad. Some oils are good for our bodies. Actually, they are essential. Essential fatty acids (EFA's) are necessary for the structure of all cell membranes and other important metabolic functions. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that is needed for the production of vital biochemicals, is derived from the essential fatty acid linolenic acid (LA). LA is readily available in foods, especially seeds, oils, vegetables and grains. However, there are many factors that can interfere with the metabolic processes that convert LA to GLA. Source Naturals Mega-GLA bypasses these tricky metabolic steps and provides you with a direct source of GLA extracted from borage seed oil.
The Role of GLA in Metabolism
EFA's and other fatty acids such as GLA are precursors for eicosanoids, short-lived regulatory messenger molecules including prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes. These molecules have a wide range of functions, including regulation of platelet aggregation, blood clotting, smooth muscle contraction, VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein) synthesis, bile excretion, fibrinolysis, vasodilation and vasoconstriction. Certain prostaglandins have a soothing quality and help the body maintain a state of comfort.
Can We Obtain EFA's from Food?
Yes, but... There are two primary types of EFA's: linolenic (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic (omega-3) fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found primarily in fish and flax seeds. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in most seed oils, including safflower, sunflower, soy and corn. GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid, is present in evening primrose, black currant, and borage oils.
However, the concentrations of GLA present are relatively low: 9%, 17%, and 24% respectively. Therefore you would have to consume larger quantities of these oils to obtain the equivalent amount of GLA in one Mega-GLA capsule. In addition, there are many potential biochemical obstacles in the metabolic pathway by which our bodies convert LA into GLA and then to prostaglandins. Only 5-10% of dietary linolenic acid is converted into GLA by the body. Source: Source Naturals
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Scientific References
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- Gittleman, Ann. 1997. Total Health, Vol. 19, No. 4, p. 61-62.
- Hill, E.C., et al. 1979. J Nutr, Vol. 109, p. 1759.
- Horrobin, David. 1982. Clinical Uses of Essential Fatty Acids, Eden Press.
- Horrobin, David. 1981. Journal of Holistic Medicine, Vol. 3, No. 2, p. 118-139.
- Horrobin, David. 1981. Med Hypotheses, Vol. 7, p. 1219-28.
- Horrobin, David. 1983. Reviews in Pure and Applied Pharmacological Sciences, Vol. 4, p. 339-383.
- Linder, Maria, ed. Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism. East Norwalk: Appleton & Lange, 1991.
- Simopoulos, Artemis. 1991. Am J Clin Nutr, Vol. 54, p. 438-463.
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