5. Gamma-linolenic acid
- Main use: Easing nerve pain
- Typical dosage: 270 to 540 milligrams once a day
Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA is a fatty acid found in certain vegetable oils that is actually believed to have therapeutic properties. It is classified as an omega-6 fatty acid. Also, this type of fatty acid is converted by the body into substances that fight inflammation and cell damage. Hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil and blackcurrant oil are among some of the highest sources of gamma-linolenic acid.
According to a study in the Journal of Nutrition, mice with chemically-induced diabetes experienced better nerve function (including nerve signal velocity and blood flow to nerve cells) when given GLA for eight weeks compared to mice given the docosahexaenoic acid found in fish oil.
