What is Borage Oil and GLA?

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is biochemically designated as 18:3 (n-6), meaning it has 18 carbon atoms and three cis double bonds located at the 6th, 9th, and 12th positions from the carboxyl (COOH) end of the molecule (Figure 1). It is categorised as an n−6 (also known as Omega-6 or ω−6) fatty acid, because of the position of the first double bond in the fatty acid molecule counting from the methyl end i.e., an Omega-6 fatty acid's first double bond occurs six carbons from the methyl end of the molecule (Figure 1).

GLA is obtained from plant oils such as evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil, blackcurrant seed oil (Ribes nigrum), and borage oil (Borago officinalis). GLA is also found in edible hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa), oats, barley and spirulina. Each contains varying amounts of the fatty acid, vary in whether the GLA is found as a free fatty acid or as part of a triglyceride and also vary in the position of GLA on the triglyceride chain. Conventional borage oil has a GLA content ranging from 15% to 20% while evening primrose oil ranges from 8% to 10% GLA. The biological effectiveness of GLA (Science Behind PUFA Section) depends on the amount in position 2 (scientifically known as Sn2) within the oil molecule (Fig 2) which is obtained from the diet, or through supplementation, as triglyceride oil and total percent of GLA in that oil.

Fig 2. Triglyceride Oil Molecule

Therefore, in other words, if GLA is in the “right place” in the triglyceride oil molecules and also at the right total amounts, it can be more biologically available (scientifically known as bioavailability) and therefore more effective than other GLA containing oils, therefore:

• Not all borage oil is the same

• Not all GLA containing oils are the same

• Not all GLA food supplements are the same

• Not all GLA containing oils produce the same biological effects

Scientifically selected Sn2® borage oil is uniquely specified and analysed to ensure that it is optimised for maximum effectiveness, with over 40% of the active fatty acid GLA available to help regulate inflammation and provide the precursor for longer chain fatty acids required for brain health. Sourced from specially cultivated borage oil plants, it has been carefully harvested so that the seed will yield the highest level of GLA availability and then to ensure that all the other naturally occurring components are within safe limits at high dose, e.g., concentrations of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) and long chain monoene’s [PA < 4 µg/kg oil, long chain monoene’s 22:1n-9 < 2% and 24:1n-9 < 1.5%, trace metals Cd < 0.1 mg/kg, Pb < 0.1 mg/kg, Hg < 0.1 mg/kg, As < 0.1 mg/Kg, Aflatoxin B1 < 2 µg/kg, Dioxins < 0.75 ng/kg].

How to take Sn2® Borage Oil

Consumed with food and can be taken throughout the day. 7.5 ml to 15 ml per day provides 1.5 to 3 grams of GLA (doses that have been shown to be beneficial in RA and MS trials respectively). For flavour a squeeze of lemon can be added. It can also be mixed in warm soups, porridge or simply added to salad-vegetarian dishes. Avoid adding to boiling or hot food and drink and once opened, store in a refrigerator.

Summary
In summary Sn2® borage oil is both carefully selected and of pharmaceutical grade and manufacture to ensure it is safe at the dose specified. 15 ml a day provides a minimum of 3 grams per day of GLA of which at least 40% is highly bioavailable at the Sn2 position (Fig 2).