Reviews and Information for GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)
Evening Primrose & Flaxseed (ALA/GLA)
Find the best flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, hemp oil, and black currant oil supplements (sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), evidence for use for lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, potential skin benefits and more. Find out which ones passed our tests and why.
Evening Primrose & Flaxseed (ALA/GLA) Review
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CL Answer
Supplements for Eczema: Some May Help, While Others Don’t
Certain supplements may reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema), while others don't seem to work. Find out if gamma-linolenic acid, L-histidine, phytoceramides, probiotics, and other supplements may be beneficial.
Clinical Update
6/08/2021
GLA for Inflammation?
Can taking GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) supplements help reduce inflammation? Find out in our answer to the question: Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?
CL Answer
I'm a vegan but my doctor wants me to take fish oil with EPA and DHA. Is there something I can take that would be as good as fish oil capsules but would satisfy the needs of a vegan?
Find out which vegan-friendly fatty acid supplements contain EPA and DHA and how they compare to fish oil.
CL Answer
Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?
Find out if supplements such as turmeric, fish oil, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine), boswellia, ginger, white willow bark or arnica may, or may not, be helpful to people sensitive to NSAIDs.
Clinical Update
8/04/2023
Black Currant or Caffeine for Hair?
Does black currant seed oil, or its constituent gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), increase hair growth? Find out what research suggests in the GLA section of our ALA and GLA Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for black currant seed oil.
Also find out if applying caffeine to the scalp increases hair growth and reduces shedding in our article about supplements and topicals for hair.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help with gum disease or periodontitis?
Supplements for healthy gums may help with gum disease or periodontitis. Learn more about omega fatty acids, lycopene, and probiotics.
Product Review
GABA Supplements Review
Does GABA Work As a Supplement?
CL Answer
Hemp Seeds: Health Benefits, Safety, and What To Consider When Picking a Product
Hemp seeds are promoted for heart health, diabetes, boosting testosterone, and other conditions, but do they work? Find out and learn about potential safety concerns.
Product Review
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review
Choose the Best Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplement — See the Amounts of Active "R-Isomer" We Found
Product Review
Vitamin E Supplements Review
Find the Best Vitamin E Supplement. Tests and Reviews of Popular Vitamin E Supplements & CL's Top Picks.
News Release
February 23, 2023
Best GABA Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab
White Plains, New York, February 23, 2023 — GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) supplements are claimed to have a "calming" effect, and are often promoted to reduce stress and insomnia and improve cognitive performance.
Clinical Update
8/22/2014
Flaxseed Lowers Blood Pressure
Consuming milled flaxseed significantly lowered blood pressure in people with peripheral arterial disease, according to a recent clinical trial. Additional analysis of those results suggests the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- an omega-3 fatty acid -- in flaxseed may be responsible for the effect. Get the details, including the amount of flaxseed used, plus our tests of flaxseed, evening primrose, borage, and other seed oils containing ALA and GLA, in the updated Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, and Black Currant Oil Supplements Review >>
Product Review
Taurine Supplements Review for People, Dogs, and Cats
Find the Best Taurine Supplements. Learn When to Use Taurine and Which Supplement is Best.
CL Answer
Is it better to take fish oil, flaxseed oil -- or both?
Fish oil and flaxseed oil -- how they are different, what they are used for, if and how they can help with arthritis, depression, lowering cholesterol & more.
CL Answer
Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica, diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia?
Find out which supplements for nerve pain, including fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid, are effective for sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, or postherpetic neuralgia.
News Release
August 15, 2020
ConsumerLab Tests Show Not All Vitamin E Supplements Contain What They Claim
White Plains, New York, August 15, 2020 — Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to maintain the integrity of cells.
News Release
March 03, 2020
Best and Worst Chia Seed Products Revealed by ConsumerLab
White Plains, New York, March 3, 2020 — Chia seeds are rich in fiber and a good source of healthful oils, particularly the omega-3 fatty acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), as well certain vitamins and minerals.
Product Review
Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) Supplements Review
See Our Omega-3 Top Picks and Avoid Rancid Fish Oils.
Product Review
Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review
Best Multivitamins In 2023 -- Caution with Gummies
News Release
November 27, 2017
Flaxseed and Other Popular Omega 3 & 6 Oil Supplements Tested, But Not All Brands Pass -- Tests of Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements
White Plains, New York, November 27, 2017 — Flaxseed oil and other popular seed oil are popular supplements that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and may help with inflammatory conditions. But which seed oil supplements are the best? To find out, ConsumerLab.
CL Answer
Which supplements may benefit people with essential tremor, and which should be avoided?
Learn about supplements used for treating essential tremor, including caprylic acid (also called octanoic acid), thiamin (vitamin B1), cannabidiol (CBD), GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and branched-chain amino acids. Find out which work and which don't. Also find out which supplements and food may make essential tremors worse.
News Release
May 07, 2014
Flaxseed and Other Popular Seed Oil Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com, But Not All Brands Pass -- Flaxseed, Black Currant, Borage and Evening Primrose Oils Reviewed
White Plains, New York, May 7, 2014 — Plant seed oils are popular supplements that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but which products offer the best value and quality? Recent analyses by ConsumerLab.
CL Answer
What is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)? Is it beneficial for stress, anxiety, insomnia or other conditions, and is it safe?
Find out about GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), including if it's beneficial for insomnia, epilepsy, stress and anxiety, high blood pressure and building muscle, and learn if taking GABA supplements is safe.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of black cumin seed (black seed) oil?
Find out if black seed oil has health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure or cholesterol, asthma, weight loss, and others. Dosage, forms, including black seed oil and black seed powder, safety information, using black seed oil in foods and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Clinical Update
1/19/2019
Is Omega-6 a Problem?
Do omega-6 fatty acids like LA and GLA, found in many seed oils, promote inflammation in the body? No, and yes, according to the latest findings. Get the details in the Is Omega-6 a Problem? section of our Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acid Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
5/05/2013
Omega-6 for Eczema?
Supplements with the omega-6 fatty acid GLA from evening primrose oil or borage oil have long been promoted to treat eczema. However, a recent review of data from 27 studies casts doubt on this use. Get more information about this, and about omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, in the updated Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxeed Oil Supplements Review >>
CL Answer
Is canola oil good or bad for you? I heard it can be toxic.
Find out if canola oil is bad for you or good for you, and whether it helps heart health. Clinical evidence and how it compares to other oils.
News Release
June 18, 2012
What is "Natural" Vitamin E? It Depends On the Brand Selling It, Finds ConsumerLab.com -- New Review of Vitamin E Supplements, Oil and Cream, Including Tocopherols and Tocotrienols
White Plains, New York, June 18, 2012 — What is in a "natural" vitamin E supplement, cream, or oil? According to recent tests by independent evaluator, ConsumerLab.com, this depends completely on the brand selling it.
CL Answer
What is C15:0 fatty acid (found in fatty15), and does it have health benefits?
C15:0 fatty acid in fatty15 is promoted for “healthier hair & skin, balanced metabolism, and deeper sleep,” as well as “slowing the aging process.” Find out if it works.
CL Answer
Are there any red flags to look for on the label when choosing a fish oil supplement?
Learn more about safety concerns when choosing a fish oil supplement.
CL Answer
Can heat and humidity destroy whey protein and other sports nutrition supplements (e.g., creatine, BCAAs, digestive enzymes) during shipping or while storing at home?
Find out if heat and humidity can degrade creatine, BCAAs, digestive enzymes, and other muscle enhancing supplements.
Clinical Update
12/16/2022
GABA with Antidepressants?
Can GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) supplements interact with antidepressant medications such as SSRIs? Find out in our updated CL Answer about possible benefits and safety of GABA.
Also see our CL Answer about supplements that may interact with SSRIs.
Clinical Update
5/04/2021
GABA for Cognition?
Can taking GABA improve cognition? See what a new study found in our updated article about GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
News Release
January 11, 2011
Spoilage and labeling errors found with some omega-3 and -6 supplements; Review of evening primrose, flaxseed, borage, and black currant oil supplements
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JANUARY 10, 2011 — A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was released by ConsumerLab.com today. Only 11 of 17 products selected for testing met quality criteria for freshness and labeling.
CL Answer
Which oils can help lower my cholesterol and risk of heart attack? How are coconut oil, olive oil, and fish oil for example?
Find out which fats and oils, such as coconut oil and fish oil, lower cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical Update
10/10/2024
Light Therapy for Parkinson's?
Does wearing a helmet which delivers red or near infrared light to the head (such as SYMBYX Neuro or VieLight Neuro Gamma) improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? Find out what research suggests in our article about light therapies. Also, find out if these helmets help people with mild cognitive impairment.
News Release
December 10, 2007
ConsumerLab.com finds improvement in quality of omega-3 and -6 supplements — Results for 22 products made from evening primrose, flaxseed, borage and black currant oils
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — DECEMBER 10, 2007 — A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was released by ConsumerLab.com today. Two products were slightly low in one fatty acid, but this is an improvement over results from ConsumerLab.
News Release
July 12, 2005
ConsumerLab.com finds some supplements lower in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than claimed — Report available for 23 products made from oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose and flax
WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 12, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of supplements made from the seed oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose, and flax.
News Release
June 15, 2005
Two magnesium supplements fail testing due to lead contamination. Nineteen others pass. Report now available.
WHITE PLAINS, NY — JUNE 15, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of magnesium supplements sold in the U.S. In addition to being an essential mineral, magnesium may help prevent migraine headaches, menstrual pain, PMS, and leg cramps during pregnancy.
News Release
April 27, 2005
ConsumerLab.com finds quality of most nutrition powders and drinks high, but identifies five protein powders with excess sodium or cholesterol — Report Now Available Online
WHITE PLAINS, NY — APRIL 27, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of nutrition powders, shakes and drinks. These products are used for general nutrition, dieting, and meal-replacement and are frequently used by athletes and bodybuilders.
News Release
March 30, 2005
ConsumerLab.com finds most B-vitamins of high quality but three lacking in ingredients — Test Results for 41 Products Reported Along with Information on Use
WHITE PLAINS, NY — MARCH 30, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com reported test results today for B vitamin supplements that it recently purchased in the U.S. and Canada.
News Release
August 07, 2002
ConsumerLab.com finds some spoilage and inaccuracy among omega-3 and 6 supplements — List released of evening primrose, flaxseed and other GLA/ALA products that passed testing
WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 7, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of health and nutrition products, released results today of its Product Review of Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxseed Oils: Sources of ALA and GLA (Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids).
News Release
March 05, 2002
ConsumerLab.com finds nutrition powders & drinks more accurately labeled than nutrition bars, but unapproved food ingredient seen in some
White Plains, NY -- March 5, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that 24 of 26 nutrition powders and drinks that it recently evaluated met their label claims for carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This is in stark contrast to ConsumerLab.
Recalls & Warnings
February 18, 2020
Seller of CoQ10, Resveratrol and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On February 5, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to R-Garden LLC, which found the company's Vitamin O, Gamma-Zyme, L.
Recalls & Warnings
December 15, 2020
FDA Warns Seller of Evening Primrose Oil and Beta Glucan
On December 2, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Smoky Mountain Naturals, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Evening Primrose Oil and Beta Glucan to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
February 13, 2014
Maker of Cholesterol and Workout Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims and Unapproved Ingredient
On January 31, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Exclusive Supplements Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
December 13, 2013
Maker of Menopause Blend and Other Supplement Ingredients Warned by FDA of Violations
On November 21, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Raw Deal, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
December 05, 2015
FDA Warns Companies Selling Products Containing Picamilon
On November 30, 2015, the FDA issued warning letters to five supplement companies selling products containing picamilon, which is not a lawful dietary supplement ingredient in the U.S.
Recalls & Warnings
August 28, 2013
Maker of Sexual Enhancement Supplement Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On July 11, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Precise Nutrition International Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2017
Bones and Packaged "Bone Treats" Dangerous for Dogs
Giving your dog real turkey or chicken bones, or packaged "bone treats" could lead to serious injury or death, the FDA recently warned pet owners.
Recalls & Warnings
October 24, 2012
Manufacturer of Green Tea, Vitamin E, Omega-3 and Cranberry Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Misbranding and Drug Claims
On October 16, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Advanced Nutritional Technology Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
July 27, 2012
Prescription and Street Drug Alternatives Found in Male Enhancement, Mood, and Sleep Supplements
On July 10, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Evol Nutrition Associates, Inc. subsequent to a 2011 inspection which found a number of the company's products contained prescription and investigational drugs and were misbranded.
Recalls & Warnings
November 02, 2012
Manufacturer of Prostate, Inflammation and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On October 15, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ortho Molecular Products, Inc. for making drug claims about the following dietary supplements: Candicid Forte, Inflamma-bLOX, Lipitrol, Mucosagen, Prostatrol Forte, Resvoxitrol, Paracid Forte, VascuPak HTN and Lithium Orotate.
Recalls & Warnings
March 15, 2013
Maker of Liquid Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On January 31, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Liquid Health, Inc.
