Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold-water fish (and fish oil), and perilla and flaxseed oils, can be part of a healthy diet. Omega-3 oils contain the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are usually lacking in the typical Western diet that includes high amounts of omega-6 fats.
Omega-6 fatty acids are well supplied in the diet by meat and vegetable oils. However, not all omega-6 fatty acids are of equal value. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), found in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant oil is an important fatty acid that plays a beneficial role in healthy prostaglandin formation. What you eat also contributes to the production of inflammatory cytokines. Eating foods cooked at high temperature can cause the formation of advanced glycation end (AGE) products. Glycation is the binding of a protein molecule to a glucose molecule that results in the formation of damaged protein structures. As the damaged proteins accumulate, they activate the production of inflammatory cytokines. Presently there is no way to reverse the effects of glycation.
Health conscious people have been consuming a lot of borage oil to obtain GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), the parent of the biologically active DGLA (di-homo-gamma-linolenic acid). Life Extension has added 10 milligrams of sesame lignans to each capsule of Mega GLA borage oil. Sesame lignans not only increase beneficial DGLA, but they also help reduce production of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid, which decreases the formation of destructive prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4.
Numerous studies document GLA’s multiple health effects, but new information about the ability of sesame to prevent the conversion of GLA into arachidonic acid indicates that many more people may now be able to benefit from supplemental GLA.
The borage oil in Mega GLA is cold pressed and is free of any pesticides and herbicides. This is a natural product and the amount of GLA can vary, but is never less than 285 mg per capsule.
Directions: Take one softgel one to two times daily with food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. Up to five softgels can be taken daily. Do not take with fiber supplements.
Ingredients: 1 softgel supplies: Calories 12, Calories from fat 12,
Total Fat 1.3 g, Saturated fat 0.25 g, Monounsaturated fat 0.25 g, Polyunsaturated fat 0.8 g, Borage seed oil (Borago officinalis)supplying 285 mg gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) 1300 mg, Sesame seed (Sesamum indicum) lignan extract
10 mg.
Other Ingredients: magnesium stearate, gelatin, water.
Contains sesame. This product contains NO milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish (lobster crab, shrimp), soybeans, tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, or rice. Contains NO sugar, and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Warning: Those taking anticoagulant drugs like Coumadin® (warfarin) should inform their doctor that they are taking GLA, EPA, or DHA supplements, as the physician may want to adjust the dose of anticoagulant medication based on tests that measure coagulation factors such as template bleeding time.
Since GLA, EPA, and DHA interfere with blood clotting, those who suffer from any type of hemorrhagic disease related to excessive bleeding or blood vessel leakage should consult their physician before supplementing these fatty acids.
This product should not be used by individuals who have an allergy to sesame.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
