Side Effects of Gamma Linolenic Acid

Also called GLA or evening primrose oil, gamma-linolenic acid is a fat-like substance that occurs naturally in some plant oils. Used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy and eczema, gamma-linolenic acid poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Types

• Possible side effects of gamma-linolenic acid include loose stools, diarrhea, belching, gas and flatulence.

Features

• Gamma-linolenic acid has the potential to increase the amount of time it takes for your blood to clot. While this is not usually a danger if you receive a small cut, it can be very serious if you get into an accident or require surgery.

Drug Interactions

• When combined with psychiatric drugs like Thorazine or Stelazine, gamma-linolenic acid poses a risk for seizures, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Other Risks

• Gamma-linolenic acid poses a risk for seizures in some patients even without the added use of a psychiatric drug. This is particularly true of patients who have underlying seizure disorders like epilepsy.

Warning

• It is possible to develop a life-threatening allergic reaction to gamma-linolenic acid, especially if you have allergies to plants in the Onagraceae family like fuchsias or willowherbs. Symptoms of an allergy to gamma-linolenic acid include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain and swelling of the face and extremities.