What Is gamma-Linolenic Acid, GLA (18:3 n-6) & What Foods Can I Find It In?

3D-model of gamma-Linolenic acid, GLA (18:3 n-6) (src)

gamma-linolenic acid, GLA, 18:3 n-6, is an omega-6, polyunsaturated fatty acid consisting of linolenic acid that has cis- double bonds.

It is an essential fatty acid and a conjugated acid of gamma-linolenate.

gamma-Linolenic acid in foods is important for human nutrition and is widely used in the food industry.

Table of Contents

Can Be Produced Of Linoleic Acid

18:3 n-6, gamma-linolenic acid is also known as Gamolenic acid. It’s an omega-6 fatty acid produced in the body of linoleic acid. (source )

gamma-linolenic acid is the most common precursor of the n-6 family of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

gamma-linolenic acid is an essential intermediate between linoleic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid. (source )

gamma-Linolenic Acid In Milk And Oils

gamma-Linolenic acid in foods is important for human nutrition.

gamma-linolenic acid is most commonly found in human milk and is essential for infants. (source )

But also evening primrose oil, blackcurrant oil, and borage oil contain high amounts of gamma-linolenic acid. (source )

Benefits Of gamma-Linolenic Acid

gamma-Linolenic acid is known to be beneficial in the treatment of various skin conditions and for the treatment of various skin disorders.

gamma-Linolenic acid seems to be beneficial for prevention of cardiovascular disease, which is associated with an increased risk of stroke, and coronary heart disease.

Foods You Can Find gamma-Linolenic Acid, GLA (18:3 n-6) In

You find gamma-Linolenic Acid, GLA (18:3 n-6) mostly in nut and seed, fats and oil, sauce and gravy, and poultry products.

Examples of food sources include

Foods in our nutrition tool

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If you are interested in what foods contain the most gamma-Linolenic Acid, GLA (18:3 n-6) we recommend you visit our tool.

Here's our top-ranked list of foods that contain gamma-Linolenic Acid, GLA (18:3 n-6).

Sara Niemelä

co-founder Care Omnia, Head Content Creator

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Nutrition is my passion. I've spent thousands upon thousands of hours reading, analyzing, categorizing and comparing research studies.

I’m a wife and a mother of three. I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, and spending time with my family.