Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in evening primrose, borage and blackcurrant seed oils.
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is GLA, and why do people take it?
GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid found in evening primrose, borage and blackcurrant seed oils. Researchers have studied these oils for rheumatoid arthritis and skin problems. The preparation and the condition matter: a result in rosacea is not automatically a result in eczema. 1 2 3 4
Why researchers study the skin barrier
A study in adults with dry skin or mild atopic dermatitis found reduced water loss through the skin. The authors proposed that anti-inflammatory metabolites made from GLA could help explain the result. That is a possible mechanism, not proof that every GLA product treats an inflammatory skin disease. 5
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Gamma-Linolenic Acid's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does GLA help eczema?
The pooled trials of oral evening primrose and borage oil did not show a useful eczema benefit. 4
Are the rosacea findings still worth considering?
Yes, as preliminary evidence for an addition to minocycline. The small trial did not test GLA as a replacement for that medicine. 3
Does a 1,000 mg oil capsule contain 1,000 mg GLA?
The oil and its GLA content are different quantities. Studies specify the GLA dose or the source oil, and the two should not be confused. 2 6
Does evening primrose oil reliably help PMS?
NCCIH finds insufficient evidence for PMS or menopause symptoms. Those uses remain uncertain rather than established benefits. 1
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Linoleic Acid