How GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) is Used in Mountain Ice Joint & Bone Health Complex

GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid), one of the key ingredients in Mountain Ice Joint & Bone Health Complex, is an essential Omega-6 fatty acid renowned for its anti-inflammatory potential. Derived from the seeds of the evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) and borage (Borago officinalis, also known as the starflower) plants, GLA's value in inhibiting inflammation is just beginning to be recognized. Read on to learn how it promotes better joint health!

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

GLA has been shown in studies to inhibit COX (cyclooxygenase) and 5-LOX (5-lipoxygenase), enzymes responsible for inflammation. These enzymes, known as cytokines, are an important part of the immune response in triggering inflammation to heal injuries or neutralize infections. These immune reactions can sometimes persist excessively, though, and when this happens the ongoing inflammation damages cells. This is the mechanism that causes joint pain, swelling, and damage in those with rheumatoid and autoimmune arthritis.

Omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation, but GLA is a unique case among them. It quickly converts to DGLA (dihomo gamma-linolenic acid), which binds with COX and LOX proteins to produce anti-inflammatory lipids. This is why studies have shown that GLA has potential in reducing RA symptoms, and its anti-inflammatory qualities suggest it may also have similar effects on inflammation from osteoarthritis.

That's not the only way that GLA can prevent inflammation! GLA has also shown evidence of suppressing of the pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4. Leukotriene B4 activates white blood cells known as leukocytes and help them bind to the tissue inside blood vessels. By preventing the synthesis of these leukotrienes, GLA stops inflammation before it starts.

Respiratory and Muscular Regulation

GLA is necessary for the production of prostaglandins, lipid compounds that help control vasodilation (widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow), muscle relaxation, muscle contraction, and both bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation, the widening and contraction of lungs -- literally, both the pull and push of breathing. This may be relevant to those with RA, as 1 in 10 people with Rheumatoid Arthritis develop Interstitial Lung Disease, the result of lung tissue becoming inflamed and developing scarring over time.

Treating Neuropathy

Many people who use Mountain Ice Pain Relief Gel take it to mitigate pain and discomfort from peripheral or diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage often caused by diabetes and sometimes associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Those with diabetes have been found to have deficiencies in essential fatty acids like GLA, and supplementation with GLA has been shown in studies to improve nerve function and blood flow to nerve cells.