GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid)

C18:3 n-6 · Gamma-linolenic acid

Mechanism

Gamma-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-6) is an omega-6 fatty acid from borage, evening primrose and blackcurrant seed oil. Unlike most n-6 fatty acids, it acts via a paradoxically anti-inflammatory pathway: GLA is rapidly elongated to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), from which the less inflammatory 1-series prostaglandins (including PGE1) and 15-HETrE arise, while the further conversion of DGLA to arachidonic acid is limited. The evidence for this mechanism comes predominantly from human and small-animal models (skin barrier, atopic processes) and is so far only very thinly documented in the horse - controlled equine studies are largely lacking. GLA has been associated with the field of skin-barrier and coat health. Because of the strong extrapolation from other species, the evidential value for the horse is currently low.

Cautions

· Equine evidence very thin - effect largely extrapolated from human/small-animal data.
· As an n-6 fatty acid, dose according to product; avoid an unfavourably high total n-6 intake and tipping the n-6/n-3 balance.
· Seed oils oxidise; store cool and mind the vitamin E requirement.

Sources

Fan & Chapkin 1998Fan YY, Chapkin RS 1998 (J Nutr) - Bedeutung von diätetischer GLA, DGLA-Stoffwechsel und 1-Serien-Eicosanoide (Human/Modell, auf Pferd extrapoliert)

NRC 2007NRC - Nutrient Requirements of Horses (2007): kein GLA-Bedarf ausgewiesen

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo equine requirement value (NRC 2007 / GfE 2014 do not list GLA). By analogy to human/small-animal data via borage oil (approx. 20 % GLA) or evening primrose oil (approx. 8-10 % GLA); rough orientation value 10-30 mg GLA/kg BW/day, not evidence-backed in the horse.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

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Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.