Gamma-Linolenic acid
gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 essential fatty acid found primarily in vegetable oils. It is sold as a dietary supplement for treating problems with inflammation and auto-immune diseases. The efficacy of such use is disputed. In physiological literature, GLA is designated as 18:3(ω-6). Chemically, GLA is a carboxylic acid with an 18-carbon chain and three cis double bonds; the first double bond is located at the sixth carbon from the omega end. It is also sometimes called gamolenic acid. It is an isomer of alpha-linolenic acid, which is the omega-3 fatty acid found in flax seed. Although there are alpha- and gamma- forms of linolenic acid, there is no beta form. One was once identified but it turned out to be an artifact of the original analytical process, (Gunstone).
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