GLA for Health & Longevity - Quick Reference Sheet
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GLA for Health & Longevity

Created on 07/25/2026 – Quick Reference based on Evidence Review created using AI4L / Opus 4.8 – Audit

GLA is an omega-6 fat the body turns into inflammation-calming compounds. The clearest human benefits are easing inflammatory joint pain and diabetic nerve symptoms, at higher doses over months. Effects on blood fats and skin are weak; eczema and breast-pain uses are unsupported. Longevity value remains a hope. Inexpensive and generally well tolerated. (Full Review)

Protocol

Standard Dose
240–500 mg/day
General anti-inflammatory support; taken with food
Therapeutic Dose
1.4–2.8 g/day
Rheumatoid arthritis; ~360–480 mg/day for diabetic neuropathy
Source & Timing
Borage or evening primrose oil
With largest fat-containing meal; split doses above ~1 g/day
Time to effect
DGLA Rise
A few weeks
2–3-fold increase in the active anti-inflammatory fat
Joint Symptoms
Months
Rheumatoid arthritis relief builds slowly
Nerve & Skin
4–12 weeks
No acute effect; membrane levels shift gradually

Benefits

Contraindications
  • Pregnancy (especially near term)
  • Bleeding disorders or scheduled surgery (within 2 weeks)
  • Active epilepsy or phenothiazine use
  • Significant liver impairment (Child-Pugh B/C) with non-certified borage oil
    •
Key Interactions
  • Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, aspirin)
  • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Antiplatelet supplements (fish oil, high-dose vitamin E, Ginkgo biloba, garlic, nattokinase)
  • Immunomodulatory therapies
    •

Risk & Side Effects

  • High: Gastrointestinal discomfort
    •
  • Medium: Bleeding risk and antiplatelet potentiation; pyrrolizidine alkaloid hepatotoxicity
    •
  • Low: Lowered seizure threshold; theoretical pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid conversion
    •
  • Speculative: Immunosuppression or thrombosis with prolonged use
    •

Monitoring

Marker Target Why
hs-CRP < 1.0 mg/L (ideally < 0.5) Tracks whether the anti-inflammatory effect shows systemically
Plasma fatty-acid profile (DGLA, AA:DGLA ratio) Rising DGLA; balanced AA:DGLA Confirms the active DGLA pool rises rather than arachidonic acid
Fasting lipid panel (triglycerides, HDL, LDL) Triglycerides < 80 mg/dL; HDL > 50 mg/dL Detects the modest lipid shifts seen mainly with high cholesterol
ALT / AST (liver enzymes) < 25 U/L Screens for liver stress, relevant when using borage oil
HbA1c / fasting glucose HbA1c < 5.4% Contextual, if used for diabetic nerve symptoms

Cadence: Baseline, again at 8–12 weeks, then every 6–12 months

Qualitative Assessment

  • Joint comfort and morning stiffness
  • Nerve symptoms (tingling, burning, numbness)
  • Skin hydration and comfort
  • Digestive tolerance (soft stools, bloating, belching)
  • General energy and well-being
Not medical advice. Educational distillation of a single evidence review. Confirm any decision with a qualified clinician, especially in the presence of prescription drugs or chronic conditions.