An unusual omega-6 fat the body converts into compounds that tend to calm inflammation. Inexpensive, widely available, and generally well tolerated. The strongest signal is easing diabetes-related nerve damage symptoms, though it rests on small older studies. Mixed, uneven evidence overall, with no long-term outcome data. (Full Review)

Protocol

Standard GLA dose

240–480 mg/day

~360–480 mg GLA (≈4–6 g evening primrose oil) for diabetic neuropathy and inflammatory-joint protocols.

Dosing & timing

With a fat-containing meal

Split dosing twice daily improves tolerability at higher totals; single daily dose acceptable at lower doses.

Source oil

Borage / evening primrose / black currant

Borage most concentrated (~20–24% GLA), evening primrose ~8–10%, black currant ~15–17%.

Time to effect

Clinical effects

8–24 weeks

Symptom effects in trials (neuropathy, joint symptoms) emerge over this window; not an acute-relief intervention.

Tissue DGLA enrichment

1–3 weeks

Measurable membrane enrichment with consistent intake; incorporation into phospholipids over days.

Benefits

Medium: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptom relief; cyclical breast pain tolerability

Low: Triglyceride reduction and HDL support in dyslipidemia; skin barrier function and atopic dermatitis symptoms; rheumatoid arthritis joint symptoms

Speculative: General anti-inflammatory "tone" and longevity; premenstrual syndrome symptom relief

Contraindications

Active bleeding disorders

Surgery scheduled within ~2 weeks

Epilepsy or seizure disorders

Pregnancy (outside medical supervision)

Key Interactions

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, apixaban, clopidogrel, aspirin)

Other OTC antiplatelet agents (high-dose fish oil, high-dose vitamin E, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen)

Phenothiazine antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine)

Risk & Side Effects

Medium: Gastrointestinal upset

Low: Theoretical increased bleeding risk; pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid conversion

Speculative: Seizure threshold concerns; hormone-sensitive condition interactions

Monitoring

Marker	Target	Why
Triglycerides	< 100 mg/dL	Tracks GLA's main potential lipid benefit
HDL cholesterol	> 50 (women) / > 45 (men) mg/dL	Detects HDL increase seen in hyperlipidemic responders
hs-CRP	< 1.0 mg/L	Gauges systemic inflammation, the proposed anti-inflammatory target
RBC omega-6:omega-3 ratio	Lower is generally better	Indicates whether fatty-acid metabolism favors the anti-inflammatory route

Cadence: Reassess lipids and inflammatory markers at ~8–12 weeks after starting, then every 6–12 months, with symptom-based tracking on a similar cadence.

Qualitative Assessment

Skin hydration, smoothness, or eczema/itch severity
Joint comfort and morning stiffness (for inflammatory-joint use)
Neuropathic symptoms (tingling, burning, numbness)
General digestive tolerance of the supplement

GLA for Health & Longevity

Protocol

Benefits

Risk & Side Effects

Monitoring

Qualitative Assessment