Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma Linolenic Acid
For the body system: Uterus

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in certain plant oils, such as evening primrose oil and borage oil. Its use to support the uterus, particularly for managing symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual discomfort, is largely based on traditional and anecdotal evidence rather than robust scientific validation. Historically, GLA-containing oils have been used in herbal medicine to address women’s reproductive health issues, including menstrual cramps and breast pain. The rationale is that GLA serves as a precursor to prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that play a role in regulating inflammation and uterine contractions.

However, scientific studies investigating GLA's effectiveness for uterine-related concerns, including PMS, menstrual pain, and other gynecological conditions, have yielded inconsistent results. Some small studies and case reports suggest potential benefits, but systematic reviews and larger clinical trials have not demonstrated clear, reproducible efficacy. Major health organizations typically do not endorse GLA supplementation as a primary intervention for uterine health due to this lack of high-quality evidence.

In summary, while the use of GLA for supporting uterine health is rooted in traditional practices and is popular in complementary medicine, scientific evidence remains limited and inconclusive. The evidence rating reflects the predominance of tradition over validated clinical support.

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Products containing Gamma Linolenic Acid

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