EPA/GLA Forte softgels, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, contain a marine lipid concentrate processed by molecular distillation and borage seed oil. EPA/GLA Forte is an excellent source of both omega-3 fatty acids, providing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 18%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 12%) in their natural triglyceride form, as well as the omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

FUNCTIONS Typical diets in developed countries deliver large amounts of saturated fatty acids and the polyunsaturated omega-6 linoleic and arachidonic acids and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Throughout evolution, humans were accustomed to diets providing roughly equal amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. However, during the last 200 years, the ratio of dietary omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids increased from about 1:1 to 20- 25:1. Leading health professionals now recommend ratios between 4:1 and 10:1.A healthy balance of dietary omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids appears to be a prerequisite for normal immune function. Dietary linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) is a precursor to arachidonic acid (20:4) which in turn is a precursor for pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4, and platelet aggregating thromboxane A2. Although GLA is a precursor of arachidonic acid, it also competes with arachidonic acid effectively, and may help downregulate the formation of excessive levels of pro-inflammatory 2-series prostaglandins and other immune mediators.The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA provide a natural counterbalance to the effects of excess omega-6 fatty acids, because they serve as precursors for the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins E1 and E3, and decrease the formation of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane A2. Thus, a balanced dietary intake of all of these fatty acids appears to be necessary to maintain a healthy immune response during normal inflammatory processes. The omega-3 fatty acids also have important functions for visual acuity and possibly in maintaining normal blood lipoprotein levels and the healthy metabolism of cholesterol.

INDICATIONS EPA/GLA Forte softgels may be a useful dietary supplement for those who do not consume enough oily fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids to receive desirable amounts of healthy long chain omega-3 fatty acids. EPA/GLA Forte may also be a useful dietary adjunct for those who wish to supplement their diets with gamma-linolenic acid.