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Mega GLA Sesame Lignans

Life Extension
4.6
(735 ratings)
Gamma Linolenic Acid 400 mg
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Score 80.0

A high-quality GLA supplement from borage oil, enhanced with sesame lignans for synergistic benefits. It's well-regarded for supporting skin, joint, and mood health, though it comes at a premium price.

Quantity: 30 Softgel(s)Servings size: 1 Softgel(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Skin Health
Joint Health
Mood Support

Score 80.0

A high-quality GLA supplement from borage oil, enhanced with sesame lignans for synergistic benefits. It's well-regarded for supporting skin, joint, and mood health, though it comes at a premium price.

Analysis

Mega GLA Sesame Lignans by Life Extension is a specialized supplement primarily delivering Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) at a substantial dose of 400mg per softgel, sourced from borage seed oil. Borage oil is recognized by nutritionists as one of the richest natural sources of GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The inclusion of 10mg of sesame lignan extract is a distinguishing feature, as lignans are studied for their potential to enhance the metabolic effects of fatty acids and provide antioxidant benefits, potentially boosting the efficacy of GLA. Online reviews generally reflect high satisfaction, with users often reporting noticeable improvements related to skin and joint discomfort. The brand 'Life Extension' is well-regarded in the supplement industry for its rigorous quality control and research-driven product development.

Pros
  • High concentration of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) per serving (400mg).
  • Includes sesame lignans, which may enhance GLA's effectiveness and offer additional antioxidant benefits.
  • Sourced from borage oil, a superior natural source of GLA.
  • Manufactured by Life Extension, a reputable brand known for quality and research-backed formulations.
Cons
  • Higher price per serving compared to some other GLA or omega supplements.
  • The direct impact on mood support is less robustly supported compared to skin and joint benefits, which are more widely studied for GLA.
Warnings
  • Individuals on blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare professional before use due to the potential effects of fatty acids on blood clotting.
  • May cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals, though uncommon.
$19.50($0.65 per serving)
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iHerb
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Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Calories 5 Calorie(s)
Total Fat 0.5 Gram(s)
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (Borage Seed Oil) 400 mg
Sesame seed Lignan extract 10 mg
Adults 18–50
Categories
Gamma Linolenic Acid 90.0
This product excels within the Gamma Linolenic Acid collection due to its high and effective dose of 400mg GLA per serving, sourced from high-quality borage oil. The additional sesame lignans further differentiate it, potentially enhancing GLA's metabolism and bioavailability, making it a premium choice for direct GLA supplementation.
Goals
Skin Health 90.0
GLA is widely recognized by dermatologists and nutritionists for its role in maintaining skin barrier function and reducing inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dryness. The 400mg dose is therapeutic and many online reviews specifically highlight improvements in skin hydration and reduction in redness, making it highly effective for this goal.
Joint Health 85.0
The anti-inflammatory properties of GLA can significantly help alleviate joint pain and stiffness, especially in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, by influencing prostaglandin synthesis. The potent 400mg dosage provides a solid foundation for supporting joint comfort, aligning with clinical studies suggesting GLA's benefit in inflammatory joint conditions.
Mood Support 60.0
While GLA contributes to overall cellular health and can indirectly influence nervous system function, its direct role in mood support is less pronounced and less consistently documented than its effects on skin and joints. Any mood benefits are likely secondary to its anti-inflammatory actions or its role in hormonal balance, rather than being a primary treatment for mood disorders.
82 Value

Omega 3-6-9

Source Naturals
4.6
(294 ratings)
At a lower price per serving (53 cents) than the original, this product offers a balanced blend of Omega-3, 6 (including 180mg GLA), and 9 fatty acids. It delivers excellent value by providing comprehensive essential fatty acid support for overall health, including skin and joint benefits, rather than solely focusing on a high GLA dose.
80 Value

Evening Primrose Oil

Barlean's
4.7
(519 ratings)
This Evening Primrose Oil provides a robust 234mg of GLA per serving for 58 cents, making it a strong contender for 'better value'. It offers a high-quality GLA source at a more accessible price point than the original, without a significant compromise on the therapeutic dosage.
65 Value

Spirulina Natural Tablets

Earthrise
4.8
(1489 ratings)
While its GLA content is modest (30mg), this spirulina supplement delivers a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants at a very competitive price per serving (47 cents). Its value comes from being a multi-nutrient superfood that also contributes some GLA, offering broad health benefits beyond a single fatty acid for a reasonable cost.
85 Performance

Hemp Oil

Manitoba Harvest
4.7
(1165 ratings)
This hemp oil provides a slightly higher GLA content (420mg) and a more comprehensive profile of essential fatty acids, including ALA, LA, and SDA. This broader spectrum of omegas offers more holistic anti-inflammatory and skin health benefits, potentially providing superior overall support despite a slightly higher price per serving.
87 Performance

Organic Hemp Oil

Manitoba Harvest
4.7
(1245 ratings)
Similar to the other Manitoba Harvest Hemp Oil, this organic version also delivers 420mg of GLA along with other crucial omega fatty acids. Its organic certification makes it a 'better' choice for consumers who prioritize natural and clean sourcing in addition to a robust fatty acid profile.
90 Performance

Omega Plus

Thorne
4.8
(249 ratings)
Although its GLA content is lower (40mg), this product's strength lies in its significant amounts of EPA (300mg) and DHA (200mg) from fish oil, combined with Thorne's reputation for premium quality. For comprehensive joint and mood support, the potent Omega-3 profile can often be more impactful, providing a synergistic approach that surpasses a singular focus on GLA for some conditions.
75 Budget

Evening Primrose Oil

Barlean's
4.7
(514 ratings)
This Evening Primrose Oil offers a good dose of GLA (234mg) at a lower price per serving (62 compared to 65), providing a cost-effective alternative for similar skin and joint benefits, albeit with a slightly lower GLA concentration and without sesame lignans.
78 Budget

Borage Oil

Barlean's
4.5
(157 ratings)
Providing 200mg of GLA per serving for only 50 cents, this pure borage oil is a significantly more economical choice than the original. It offers a concentrated source of GLA directly, making it a great value for those prioritizing cost-effective GLA supplementation without the added lignans.
60 Budget

Spirulina Natural Tablets

Earthrise
4.8
(1455 ratings)
While containing a much lower GLA content (30mg), this Spirulina product stands out for its remarkably low price per serving (39 cents). It offers a broad spectrum of other nutrients and antioxidants, making it a very affordable option for general health support that incidentally includes some GLA.
82 Value

Omega 3-6-9

Source Naturals
4.6
(294 ratings)
At a lower price per serving (53 cents) than the original, this product offers a balanced blend of Omega-3, 6 (including 180mg GLA), and 9 fatty acids. It delivers excellent value by providing comprehensive essential fatty acid support for overall health, including skin and joint benefits, rather than solely focusing on a high GLA dose.
80 Value

Evening Primrose Oil

Barlean's
4.7
(519 ratings)
This Evening Primrose Oil provides a robust 234mg of GLA per serving for 58 cents, making it a strong contender for 'better value'. It offers a high-quality GLA source at a more accessible price point than the original, without a significant compromise on the therapeutic dosage.
65 Value

Spirulina Natural Tablets

Earthrise
4.8
(1489 ratings)
While its GLA content is modest (30mg), this spirulina supplement delivers a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants at a very competitive price per serving (47 cents). Its value comes from being a multi-nutrient superfood that also contributes some GLA, offering broad health benefits beyond a single fatty acid for a reasonable cost.
85 Performance

Hemp Oil

Manitoba Harvest
4.7
(1165 ratings)
This hemp oil provides a slightly higher GLA content (420mg) and a more comprehensive profile of essential fatty acids, including ALA, LA, and SDA. This broader spectrum of omegas offers more holistic anti-inflammatory and skin health benefits, potentially providing superior overall support despite a slightly higher price per serving.
87 Performance

Organic Hemp Oil

Manitoba Harvest
4.7
(1245 ratings)
Similar to the other Manitoba Harvest Hemp Oil, this organic version also delivers 420mg of GLA along with other crucial omega fatty acids. Its organic certification makes it a 'better' choice for consumers who prioritize natural and clean sourcing in addition to a robust fatty acid profile.
90 Performance

Omega Plus

Thorne
4.8
(249 ratings)
Although its GLA content is lower (40mg), this product's strength lies in its significant amounts of EPA (300mg) and DHA (200mg) from fish oil, combined with Thorne's reputation for premium quality. For comprehensive joint and mood support, the potent Omega-3 profile can often be more impactful, providing a synergistic approach that surpasses a singular focus on GLA for some conditions.