Serum Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
18-carbon omega-6 fatty acid (18:3 n-6) synthesized from linoleic acid via delta-6 desaturase (FADS2), bypassing the rate-limiting step.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Ranges%
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
0.1 - 0.8% total fatty acids
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
0.2 - 0.6%
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Rapidly elongated into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which produces anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) via COX-1.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (GLA High)
- •Supplemental evening primrose or borage oil intake
Low Levels (GLA Low)
- •Impaired delta-6 desaturase activity (driven by aging, diabetes, zinc deficiency)
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for GLA
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to anti-inflammatory omega-6 pathway
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of Serum Gamma-Linolenic Acid - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 34090124
- [2]GLA Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35322901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Serum Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) into overall healthspan optimization.