Glutathione

Glutathione is a substance that is made up of three amino acids existing in almost every cell of the body. The amino acids include cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. However, before it can work effectively in the body, glutathione must be generate within the cell from its precursors.

The immune system is the body’s prime source of defense against illnesses and diseases. The presence of glutathione helps maintain the normal function of the immune system, thus promoting the body’s overall health. Scientific evidence was found stating the significant role of glutathione in the multiplication of lymphocytes, the cells that mediate specific immunity. Because of this, glutathione therefore contributes to the development of an effective immune response against diseases. The substance has been used in connection with the colon cancer.

As a result of their normal functioning, the cells of the immune system, such as the lymphocytes, produce many oxiradicals. These substances cause the cells to need higher concentrations of antioxidants. With glutathione, an antioxidant, in abundance, this need can be fulfilled.

How Glutathione is synthesized

The body manufactures glutathione in a variety of ways. Typically, the body needs the three amino acids to manufacture the substance. But in the event that these amino acids are depleted, the body can use the food we take in order to manufacture the substance needed to manufacture these three amino acids which are in turn used to manufacture glutathione. This is the natural method for the body to create glutathione. The site of glutathione synthesis is the liver.

The body’s natural antioxidant is cysteine which is the precursor of glutathione. The substance helps in the regulation of the antioxidant redox state and allows the body to recycle its store of antioxidants, including vitamin A, C,E, and co-enzyme Q10.

About 80 to 90% of substances that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. These substances contain important nutrients which the liver can metabolize into vital forms that can be used by the body.

Substances such as alcohol, caffeine, medications, and nicotine are processed by the liver using glutathione to remove them from the blood. For years now, scientists have been interested with the role of glutathione in alcohol metabolism.

How to Increase Glutathione Levels in the Body

Increasing the level of glutathione in the cells of the body can be done in only a few ways. First is it to take in nutrients through foods. Second is to use a whey protein designed to present to the cells the required amino acids in the exact sequence to create glutathione.

The first way is the natural way of producing glutathione in the body. Your body can manufacture the substance with the correct nutrients available through food intake.

Barley is rich in amino acids. Barley, the right type of barley that is, can and will produce the needed substance to create the three amino acids that make up glutathione within the cells. Other great sources of this substance are fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat. Asparagus, avocado, and walnuts are particularly rich dietary sources of this substance.

Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid that is classified under the nonessential group since it can be readily synthesized by various tissues in the body, including the skeletal muscles, liver, and adipose tissue. Further developments in science stated however that conditionally, glutamine can be an essential amino acid. When the metabolic demand for glutamine exceeds the amount available in the free glutamine pool and that which can be provided by de novo synthesis, then glutamine becomes essential to the body.

How Glutamine works

The demand for plasma glutamine experiences a marked high during exercise or other times when stress is applied to the body’s normal metabolic rate, such as fasting, severe injury, illness, et cetera. Various cells of the immune system such as lymphocytes and macrophages depend on this substance as their primary fuel source. So for instance, in the event of an illness, the immunological response is mounted in order to counteract the symptoms. The cells’ demand for glutamine therefore increases along with the heavy demand for more action in the performance of their functions.

About 40-50% of glutamine is consumed by the enterocytes of the small intestines, which makes them the largest consumers of this substance. Additionally, this substance is required for the synthesis of nucleotides in the cell nuclei. This explains the increased demand for glutamine during cell division. For rapid growth and development, a sufficient supply of glutamine is therefore important. De novo synthesis of the substance might not be enough to supply the amount needed to meet the physiological demand during times of severe, metabolic stress when the amount of free glutamine is rapidly depleted.

Another important system that needs adequate amount of glutamine is the skeletal system. The primary sites for glutamine synthesis are the skeletal muscles. This is why approximately 60% of the free amino acids stored in the skeletal muscles are glutamine. Within the plasma, this substance is also the most abundant amino acid. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, is released during times of stress. It release prompts the proteolysis of muscle proteins and the release of glutamine into the plasma to support the increased demand for free glutamine.

Hypoglycemic states, such as fasting for approximately 12 hours, result in the branched-chain amino acids within the muscle undergoing the transamination process to yield keto-acids which are precursors for glucogeogenesis or ketogenesis. This results in the generation of glutamate and alanine. Glutamate is the substance which when synthesized is converted into glutamine and ammonia.

Ergogenic Effects

Glutamine plays a significant role in the maintenance of muscle mass during physiological stress. Supplementation of this substance may promote nitrogen retention and prevent the loss of muscle protein. For this reason, many bodybuilding enthusiasts use this substance in their supplemental drugs to keep their muscles toned and maintain their mass.

Commercial Availability and General Use

A month’s supply of glutamine costs around $14 to $54. The substance is typically sold in the form of gel capsules and powders. It is sold in major health or nutrition stores and an ingredient in many dietary supplements, such as protein powders.

One important thing to note about this substance is that it is relatively unstable in solution. So if you use glutamine powder and mix it into solution, it must be consumed shortly. Some manufacturers recommend that its consumption be divided in dosages throughout the day. Other suggestions include consuming it shortly before sleep and after waking.

PABA: Para-Aminobenzoic Acid

PABA or para-aminobenzoic acid is a component of folic acid which is a member of the B family of vitamins. It is a necessary ingredient in breaking down and using proteins, in forming red blood cells and in helping in the manufacture of folic acid in the intestines. It is manufactured in natural way in the intestines from friendly bacteria and it can also be obtained from outside sources such as grains and animal products. There are PABA supplements that you can avail too.

If you have not taken enough PABA, you may show the following symptoms: fatigue, irritability, nervousness and depression as well as constipation. Weeping eczema can also be noted in people with PABA deficiency including patchy areas on the skin.

There is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) dosage but 50 mg per day is the usual PABA supplementation taken.

PABA is necessary for healthy hair and skin and the PABA supplement is known to prevent hair loss by protecting the follicles. It can even restore grey hairs to its natural colors. But this is applicable only if they have deficiency in vitamin B. PABA may have a possible role in treating Peyronie’s disease which is a disorder that affects an erection. It can possibly aid skin changes associated with scleroderma which is an autoimmune disorder, pemphigus which is a severe blistering of the skin and vitiligo which is a disorder that causes discoloration of the skin. People suffering from vitiligo, pemphigus and scleroderma have reported improvement in their skin after taking in PABA supplements. Although this is not a clinically proven fact, but some women claim that they got pregnant after increasing PABA in their diet. Excellent sources of PABA include: liver, kidney, brewer’s yeast, molasses, whole grains, mushrooms and spinach and can be made by intestinal bacteria.

PABA is often an active ingredient in sunscreen lotions; it protects the skin by blocking the damage ultraviolet rays. Its popularity as a sunscreen ingredient has waned recently though because it is reported to have caused skin irritation and cause allergic reactions in some people. When higher than factor SPF 8 sunscreens are used, manufacture of vitamin D in the body may be lowered. If it is taken in excess could also show the following symptoms: nausea, skin, rashes and vomiting. Excessive levels of PABA that are stored in the body can cause liver damage.

PABA is known to interact negatively with sulfa antibiotics since it interferes with its absorption. It can make sulfasalazine and sulfisoxazole less effective and you should not take it if you are using these antibiotics. High doses of PABA which is around 8 g. or more daily can cause blood sugar to drop and may cause a rash, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In rare cases, PABA can cause liver function abnormalities. For hair problems, take 100 mg a day of PABA. You may use Vitamin B complex to cover PABA. It is best used with Vitamin C and Vitamin B group or vitamins. Folic Acid works well with PABA too.

Naringin

Naringin is a flavonoid compound that is found in grapefruit. The characteristic bitter flavor of grapefruit is cause by naringin. To obtain the desired degree of bitterness, grapefruit processors select fruits with low naringin content and blend juices from different grapefruit varieties.

Naringin are also used in inhibiting cancer-causing compounds and contains potential chemotherapeutic value. In recent studies conducted naringin interferes with the enzymatic activity in the intestines with the breakdown of certain drugs results in the higher blood levels of the drug. Naringin in grapefruit affects a number of drugs such as calcium channel blockers, estrogen, sedatives, medications for high blood pressure, allegies, AIDS and cholesterol-reducing drugs. Effects of caffeine or caffeine levels are also extended by consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Since the effect of naringin in grapefruit on the metabolism of drug could increase the drug’s effectiveness, it also results in dosages that are inadvertently too high. It is therefore recommended not to take any drug with grapefruit juice unless the resulting drug interaction is known. Effects of drinking grapefruit juice are also cumulative which means for instance, if you drank a glass of grapefruit juice daily together with your medication for three days. The drug interaction is stronger at the end of the week than at the beginning.

Naringin displays many other characteristics in which some makes it suitable to be included in the ingredients list of a number of popular fat burners. Some evidence point out that the effects and levels of caffeine can be extended when consumed with naringin. Since around 99% if the fat burners in the market today contain caffeine (derived from natural sources such as Kola nut, Yerba mate, Green tea and many others) and caffeine does show thermogenic or fat burning properties, naringin will obviously extend the caffeine’s effects.

Naringin also shows some cholesterol-lowering effects which is a desired feature for dieters. Naringin is also an aldose reductase inhibitor which aids in combating retinal disease in diabetics.

When consumed, naringin exhibits the following effects:

- Protects against toxins in chemotherapy drugs and environment
- Increases lipid metabolism
- Increases ethanol metabolism
- Decreases negative effects of ethanol intake
- Acts as free radical scavenger
- Decreases cytotoxicity
- Acts as antioxidant
- Acts as anti-apoptotic
- Protects from carcinogenic matter
- Reduce risks of atherosclerosis
- Inhibits LDL oxidation
- Treats gastric lesions
- Inhibits Sindbis neurovirulent virus
- Reduces total cholesterol levels
- Protects plasma vitamin E levels
- Prevents hypercholesterolemia
- Anti-atherogenic properties

HOW TO TAKE NARINGIN

Natural Grapefruit juice contains 500 – 800 mg/litre of naringin.
For those on a diet or fat loss program, take 200-300 ml of grapefruit juice (100-150 mg. naringin) together with 200-350 mg caffeince. Drink two or more glasses of grapefruit juice over the day every four hours. Total calories and carbohydrates of grapefruit juice drinks must be taken into account when undergoing a fat loss program. Using dried grapefruit peel can give high concentrations of Naringin without the accompanying carbohydrates and calories.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is found in the leaves and flowering tops of more than two dozen fragrant plant species. The herb oregano is widely known for its mild minty flavor. The most popular Origanum species in North America is Origanum vulgare also called European oregano or origanum which is a member of the mint family (Labiatae). The leaves of oregano plant are popularly used in pizza toppings and pasta salads. Aside from culinary use, the oregano oil has healing properties too. This aromatic distinct oregano oil was used even in ancient times. Texts found from ancient times showed that the oregano oil was used as their remedy for seizures and narcotic poisonings. The results were not known though.

Oregano oil has the following perceived benefits:

- Oregano oil has different levels of thymol and carvacrol compounds which stop the growth of fungi, worms and other organisms. It is even found to be a good remedy in treating athlete’s foot, a condition commonly caused by Tinea versicolor fungus.

- It has mild stomach-settling and cough-clearing qualities due to thymol and carvacrol. A drop or two of oregano oil in milk or juice can calm stomach upset and help digestion.

- It is used as an antiseptic in hand cleansers and shampoos.

- It is also a remedy for headaches if rubbed in temples.

- It alleviates toothaches by diluting oregano oil and rubbing it gently into the inflamed gums and ailing tooth.

- It combats Candida overgrowth syndrome. Oregano oil antifungal actions are needed to fight this syndrome which is caused by imbalance of fungi and bacteria levels in the body.

- Recent studies indicate that oregano oil can be an effective treatment against dangerous and drug-resistant bacteria such as staphylococcus bacteria which is responsible for a number of severe infections and is quite resistant to antibiotics.

In treating toothache, dilute oregano oil in small amount of water and dab three or four times or as needed onto the source of discomfort. For Candida overgrowth syndrome, place three drops of oregano oil into empty gelatin capsule or mix the same amount of oil into juice and take this mixture three times a day. It may take several weeks before the anti-fungal properties of oil of oregano can clear up the Candida infection.

If you want to use oregano oil, buy the high-quality products because concentration of the active ingredients in oregano oil can vary among oregano products. Oil from oregano has the capacity to lower absorption of iron from iron supplements. Therefore, it is advisable to take the oregano oil at least two hours before or after taking iron supplements. Oregano oil has mild side effects. But allergic reactions to oregano oil can occur. If allergic reaction symptoms develop such as facial swelling, skin rash, itching, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms occur then stop using oregano oil. If you have iron-deficiency anemia, the oil from oregano taken internally might make your condition worse by inhibiting iron absorption from foods and supplements. It is advisable to see your doctor before taking in oil of oregano.

Folic Acid / Vitamin B12

Folic Acid/Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an important vitamin that is soluble in water. Unlike any other water-soluble vitamins, folic acid/vitamin B12 is not excreted quickly in the urine. Rather, it accumulates and is stored in the body, specifically the liver and the kidney. Perhaps as a result of this, deficiency in folic acid/vitamin B12 is not apparent until after 5 or 6 years of consuming a diet that supplies an inadequate amount of this vitamin group.

Folic acid/vitamin B12 acts like a methyl donor and plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells. It has a vital importance in maintaining the health of the myelin, the insulation sheath that surrounds nerve cells. One of the consequences of folic acid/vitamin B12 deficiency is anaemia but it is now clear that it is not the most serious of consequences. The normal blood level of folic acid/vitamin B12 ranges between 200 and 600 picogram/milliliter (148-443 picomol/liter).

Before anaemia is evident, a deficiency in folic acid/vitamin B12 often manifests itself in the development of a neurological dysfunction that is not unlike senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Many patients who are exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer’s actually suffer from a folic acid/vitamin B12 deficiency. In addition, low levels of this vitamin are linked with asthma, depression, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, diabetic neuropathy, and low sperm counts. Based on this, it is clearly evident that maintaining an adequate amount in the body is crucial.

How much does the body need?

The amount of folic acid/vitamin B12 that our body needs is actually very small. The body needs about 2 micrograms or 2 millionth of a gram each day. However, because folic acid/vitamin B12 is not absorbed very well, we need larger amounts than that. We can do this through increasing folate in your diet or through supplementation. The richest dietary sources of folic acid/vitamin B12 are liver (especially lamb’s liver) and kidneys. You can also get an adequate supply of this vitamin from eggs, cheese, and some species of fish. Contrary to popular belief, vegetables and fruits are actually poor sources.

Supplementation

One of the best ways to maintain adequate levels of folic acid/vitamin B12 in the body is through supplementation. Oral supplementation with this vitamin is safe, efficient, and inexpensive. You can find several drugstores that sell multi-vitamins. Each multi-vitamin pill contains about 100-200 microgram of folic acid/vitamin B12 in cyanocobalamin form. The body will convert this into methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin so it can start using it.

How to take it

One of the problems with folic acid/vitamin B12 is its absorption. As stated before, absorption is slow. So even if you take in about 500 micrograms of cyanocobalamin, your body actually only absorbs as little as 1.8 micrograms. This shows that multivitamins do not necessarily provide adequate daily intake.

The best approach in taking folic acid/vitamin B12 is to place a sublingual tablet of methylcobalamin (1000 micrograms) under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. This will actually increase the absorption rate, thereby allowing the body to maintain adequate amounts.

Recommended Dosage for Folic Acid/Vitamin B12 Deficiency

In cases of deficiency, 1000 micrograms per day might not be enough. The recommended dosage is 2000 micrograms per day for one month. After the first month, the 1000 microgram/day may be followed.

GABA

What is GABA? If you’re into bodybuilding, then you’ve probably heard of the term in passing.

GABA stands for gamma-animobutyric acid. It is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain; it is also the most numerous. It is a form of amino acid classified as a neurotransmitter, a chemical that fosters communication between one nerve cell and another. As an amino acid, It helps induce sleep and relaxation. It helps maintain the balance in the brain between excitation and inhibition. The effects of GABA on the brain have led to its popular title as the body’s natural tranquilizer.

Normally, the brain produces all the GABA that we need. Unfortunately, the substance pumped out by the brain may become depleted due to a number of reasons, including poor diet, exposure to environmental toxins, or other factors. Having too little of this vital compound may lead to anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Studies have shown a link between GABA deficiency and depression.

In addition to its “balancing” effects, it contributes to the stimulation pituitary gland. By acting on the anterior pituitary, it could lead to higher levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). HGH is anabolic, meaning it contributes to muscle building. HGH is also lipotropic or fat-preventing. So with regards to this, it therefore indirectly enhances these two positive effects.

Aside from muscle growth and fat prevention, HGH is also shown to have anti-aging effects. This means that by taking GABA, you are actually decreasing your age. Higher levels of HGH lead to less body fat and also better lean tissue-stored fat ratio. So no wonder bodybuilders use GABA to help enhance their muscles.

Issue on Tranquilizers

Various safety issues have been raised concerning the use of the herb kava as a tranquilizer. Apparently, it seems that kava has a few adverse effects on the human body, leading many physicians to recommend GABA as a more appealing choice. Basically, GABA and kava appears to have the same clinical effects. They’re both gentle and non-sedating tranquilizers.

Other Health Benefits

Because of its tranquilizing effect, GABA supplements have been used by many to promote relaxation and sleep. They may also play an important role in preventing seizures and allaying chronic pain. Several experts have been looking into GABA as a supplement to use in bodybuilding. Apparently, it can improve exercise tolerance, decrease body fat, and stabilizing blood pressure.

New researches on GABA lead to the proposal that the supplement may improve concentration in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also said to promote prostate health, although that hypothesis still remains to be tested thoroughly.

General Interaction

Using GABA with prescription anti-anxiety agents may produce dangerous additive effects. This is because many of these medications, including alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) directly target GABA receptors in the brain. To avoid any side effects, always inform your doctor if you’re taking GABA or any other supplements.

GABA has a tranquilizing effect so don’t be surprised if you feel a little drowsy. However, to avoid excessive drowsiness, don’t take it with other tranquilizing medications, such as codeine and other narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants, sedatives, and muscle relaxants. If you must use any of these drugs with GABA, combine with caution or consult your doctor first.

Carnitine

We all need energy, right? For that, we all need carnitine for our body to produce energy. But what really is carnitine?

Carnitine is an amino acid-like compound that basically functions in order to help the body in producing the energy that we need in our everyday life. Although carnitine is in dairy food as well as in meats, some people still take carnitine in the form of a supplement. Why? It is probably for them to enhance their vitality since carnitine has the potential for such purpose.

In the process of producing energy, the carnitine usually carries fatty acids to the factory portion of the cells. In there, the fatty acids are then converted into energy that the human heart, muscles, and the other body tissues can apply.

With a carnitine deficiency in transferring the fatty acids to the right place, the body will gradually corrode and so a feeling of being drained and tired is largely experienced by people. Perhaps one of the major parts of the body that greatly depends in the carnitine is the human heart. So those who are prone to heart attacks are usually given with carnitine in a supplement form to speed up their recovery after a heart attack. Carnitine supplement is also largely given to treat angina or chest pain, congestive heart failure, as well as arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats.

Carnitine is such an important compound in the body. One of the main reasons for that claim is the fact that carnitine plays a vital role in metabolizing a number of other significant substances, which also aid to explain why the carnitine maintains a promise for a variety of ailments.

One of the findings has shown that carnitine has the power to enhance endurance especially in those who are weakened by disease. The compound also boosts an immune response to those who are infected with HIV.

With its acetyl-L-carnitine, which is a form of carnitine that is created naturally in the brain is recently being studied and researched in a supplement form for its great potential as a treatment for memory loss that is largely related with aging and Alzheimer’s disease. And in the field of athletic performance, some findings have noted that there is a positive effect of this compound that appears most pronounced for endurance-associated events like cycling and long distance running.

The carnitine supplements which are now greatly made available from various health food stores are specifically beneficial for those who have conditions that can hinder with its absorption, such as various liver and kidney dilemmas, long-term alcohol use, metabolic stress, and a high fat diet in some instances. With any of these concerns, it is then suggested by most experts to better consult with the doctors for guidance before taking the carnitine supplements. It is also considered that a simple urine test can in fact identify the possibility of carnitine deficiency.

And since the amino acids are often prefaced with the letter D or the letter L on supplement labels, it is much better to buy only the L form for the reason that this form closely resembles the form that is being produced naturally by the body. A higher than the standard doses of this compound may apparently promote an unusual body odor.

Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid that is the basic building block of all proteins. Out of all nine “essential” amino acids known today, lysine is the least abundant. This nutrient was first isolated in 1889 from casein.

As one of the building blocks of protein, lysine is required for growth and development. It is needed to maintain nitrogen balance in the body. Since the body cannot manufacture amino acids on its own, we find other sources for them. Amino acids, such as lysine, are supplied to the body through our diet or supplements.

Health Benefits

There are many health benefits associated with the intake of lysine. The substance appears to aid in the body’s absorption and conservation of calcium. Because of this, lysine supplements may play a role in preventing the bone-loss disorder, otherwise known as osteoporosis.

Since it is incorporated into proteins which are then used by the body, lysine performs a multitude of other functions as well. For one, lysine is reported to have the ability to retard the development of herpes. By interfering with the replication of the herpes virus, this amino acid can therefore help in controlling the development of the disease. This property of lysine encouraged many doctors to recommend its use for people with cold sores or genital herpes.

Like all amino acids, lysine plays a key role in the production of various enzymes, hormones, and disease-fighting antibodies in the body. Researchers today are exploring the role of lysine in lowering down cholesterol levels and enhancing recovery after surgery. In addition, this amino acid is also said to have various physiological benefits on the body, such as improving overall performance among athletes.

Some physicians and dentists believe in the ability of lysine to speed up the healing rate of canker sores. This disease is classified as a type of mouth ulcer that is extremely painful. The origin of the disease is still quite unknown but many believe that it is caused by a virus. Lysine, believed to have healing properties, is used to combat this disease. However, there is few clinical research to support this.

Lysine is most promising as a potential remedy for herpes sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Over the past several decades, extensive research has been made on lysine and its effect on the virus, bringing out exciting results. Arginine, a common amino acid found in chocolate, peanuts, almonds, seeds, cereal grains, gelatins, and raisins, is needed by the herpes virus in order to replicate. In order to gain entrance to cells, arginine has to compete with lysine. This led scientists to conclude that with the presence of lysine in the body, arginine levels are lessened, thus inhibiting the growth of herpes virus.

Lysine supplementation is one way of staving off and reducing the severity of herpes-related cold sores. A clinical trial found out that after six months, lysine is effective in cold sore prevention. In addition, the herpes sores that did develop in the lysine group were milder and tend to heal faster.

Product Information

Lysine supplements are available in tablets or powdered forms. Some drugstores also sell them as a liquid or in capsules.

When using lysine, remember that this amino acid is very sensitive to the effects of food processing, such as dry heat. Its concentration in protein-rich foods, such as legumes, may be reduced if the food has been toasted or roasted.

Omega-6 fatty acids

Omega-6 fatty acids belong to a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are good for the body. Omega-6 fatty acids are only one of the two types of essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are necessary for good health. The other one are Omega-3s. The term ‘essential’ refers to the fact that the body cannot produce them. It can get only them when consuming certain foods. The most healthful among omega-6 fatty acids are those that have linoleic acid. These covert to gamma linoleic acid (GLA) and become prostaglandins which are molecules that assist in regulating inflammation and blood pressure also heart, gastrointestinal and kidney functions.

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in cereals, eggs, poultry, most vegetable oils, whole-grain breads, baked goods and margarine. Additional researches conducted by nutritionists reveals that omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3s will only remain as ‘good’ fats if you get balanced amounts of both. Most diets though are filled with omega-6s nutrients.

Omega-6 fatty acids have several health benefits including some healing powers on therapeutic oils with omega-6. The healing powers of this nutrient are attributed to the fact that it has high concentrations of GLA. GLA is processed by the body and converted to prostaglandins that can either block inflammation or encourage it. GLA supplements like borage oil and evening primrose oil can calm inflammation which makes Omega-6 fatty acids good for inflammatory conditions.

Omega-6 fatty acids with high GLA content demonstrate a number of beneficial effects such as:

- It reduces the pains undergone in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. The good prostaglandins can effectively reduce inflamed joints. And if used at the same time with a prostaglandin-inhibiting anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, the effects will be improved.

- It relieves the pains of PMS, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts by making good prostaglandins and blocking the ‘bad’ variety.

- It also decreases eczema and psoriasis symptoms. Omega-6 fatty acids are helpful in promoting healthy skin and hair; and in treating chronic skin illness.

- It helps clear acne and rosacea. The GLA content can lessen pore clogged up and developing lesions. The fatty acids can treat rosacea by reducing inflammation, limiting cell’s use of nutrients and stimulating contraction of blood vessles through prostaglandins.

- It also prevents and improves diabetic neuropathy because diabetics with GLA supplementation has improved nerve function and thereby prevents nerve deterioration from occurring.

There is no required daily intake for omega-6 fatty acids. It is recommended that you use vegetable oils for cooking. Although, these have no GLA but they have linoleic acid which the body can convert to GLA. Omega-6 fatty acids sources do not have the same GLA content. For instance, borage oil has 16% GLA, primrose has 9%, black currant oil has 17%. For most ailments, take 1000 to 1,300 mg of borage oil daily. This can provide you with 240 to 300 mg respectively of GLA. Same does of GLA can be found in 3,000 mg of evening primrose oil or 1,500 mg of black currant seed oil.

Omega-6 fatty acids should be taken with food. And the health benefits of omega-6 fatty acids often manifest after months of use. Omega-6 fatty acids have no known drug or nutrient interactions. Although, you need doctor’s supervision if you take omega-6 fatty acids over a long period of time. Periodic liver function tests may be required.

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