If I get lots of Linoleic Acid in the diet, and the body converts Linoleic Acid to GLA, why do I need to supplement with GLA?

Impairment of a critical enzyme.

It is true that North Americans generally consume plenty of Linoleic Acid in processed foods, margarine, and vegetable oils. It is also true that the body should convert some Linoleic Acid to GLA, which, in turn, is used to produce beneficial eicosanoids.

However, many people have an impaired Delta-6-Desaturase enzyme, or “D6D”. Without this enzyme, the body cannot convert LA into GLA, halting the production of beneficial eicosanoids.

Many factors in our modern lifestyle affect the D6D enzyme.

D6D function is impaired in many people, partially due to the excessively high consumption of LA and partially due to other lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking, alcohol consumption, stress, vitamin deficiencies, and high levels of saturated fat and trans-fatty acids in the diet. Some disease states, such as diabetes, are also associated with impaired D6D function.

Arachdonic Acid in the diet also affects our need for GLA supplementation.

At the same time, the average North American is affected by excessive intake of Arachidonic Acid which, in excess, causes ill effects such as inflammation, blood clotting, and blood vessel constriction.

The GLA solution.

GLA does not require the potentially impaired D6D enzyme for breakdown by the body. The production of good eicosanoids from GLA will also counteract the ill effects of excess Arachidonic Acid. The average North American should therefore supplement the diet with a good source of GLA such as Borage Oil.