Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
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 for eczema (atopic dermatitis) is based on the hypothesis that people with eczema may have impaired metabolism of essential fatty acids, leading to reduced levels of GLA and its metabolites, which are important for skin barrier function and anti-inflammatory processes. Early studies in the 1980s and 1990s suggested that GLA supplementation could improve eczema symptoms, leading to its popularity as an alternative treatment.

However, more recent and larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs), as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses (such as a 2013 Cochrane review), have found little to no clinically meaningful benefit of GLA supplementation compared to placebo for the treatment of eczema. The evidence base is characterized by inconsistent results, small sample sizes, and methodological limitations in many studies. Although GLA is still sometimes used and marketed for eczema based on the biological rationale and early positive studies, current high-quality scientific evidence does not strongly support its efficacy.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some early research supporting the use of GLA for eczema, the overall strength of evidence is low and inconsistent, leading most dermatology guidelines to not recommend its routine use for eczema management.

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