Omega 6 fatty acid is an essential, i.e. vital poly-unsaturated fatty acid. Both linolic acid and gammalinolenic acid (GLA) are Omega 6 fatty acids. Under normal conditions, linolenic acid (LA) is transformed into GLA in the body, but illness and an unhealthy and deficient life style with imbalances between the different nutrients block this transformation. LA transformation requires saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and a sufficient intake of the minerals magnesium, zinc, selenium and vitamins B3 and B6. For this reason, it is important to take GLA in its pure form.
Omega 6 fatty acids are naturally found in borage (20%), black currant seeds (15%), large-flowered evening-primrose (9%) and in small amounts in e.g. sunflower seeds.
As a supplement, Omega 6 fatty acids are used for female illnesses such as cramps, excessive menstrual bleeding and hot flashes. Also good for PMS, rheumatism, sclerosis, and alcoholism.
Also see "Essential fatty acids".
