Okay Biogeek...CLA/GLA??

[jsj0305]

I have read a bunch on taking this combo and it's supposed to be great. What are your thoughts??

The Primrose Oil that I am going to take for my good Omega 6 is a GLA....and I know Primrose is taken for PMS b/c it is supposed to help w/ hormone imbalances...but do you think that it could help me w/ my hormones being out of wack from Birthconrol??

Thanks in advanced b/c I know you are guna make me SO smart when I read your reply!! LOL

[biogeek]

Re: Okay Biogeek...CLA/GLA??

Here's my two cents on this issue...


While both are worthwhile to take in supplement form, there are more published studies in helping PMS with GLA, a lot in fact, compared to CLA. Most folks take CLA to aid them in fat metabolism and weightloss. Since you weren't asking about that, I'm going to stick with chatting about GLA and PMS.

My honest opinion on GLA with hormone imbalances is, yes, it should help you, even if your hormone imbalance came from the use of birth control.

Evening Primrose Oil (~9% GLA) and Borage Oil both contain GLA, with Borage Oil containing twice the amount of GLA than EPO. HOWEVER, when EPO is converted to prostaglandin E1 (what you want!), it's about 15 times MORE than the amount that is converted from Borage Oil. Pretty cool, eh?

As a bonus, EPO will also help you with your hair, skin, and nails.

As far as how much to take, published studies used varying amounts. Some used 500 mg/day, other used as much as 3000mg/day in divided dosages. This may have to experiement to see what works best for you. You may wish to try 500mg twice a day for a month or two to see if that helps you with your PMS. If it works, great! If not, increase the dosage.

I didn't know how in-depth you wanted me to go, but if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Hope that helps!

[jsj0305]

Re: Okay Biogeek...CLA/GLA??

I had initially come acroos the combo for weight loss but since I am going to take the EPO to help w/ this hormone imbalance, I was thinking I could also take the CLA for all the added benefits as well.

I had originally bought the EPO for PMS but since I'm on the shot, I don't deal with that but I think my hormones are so out of wack, I am hardly losing anything. I have been sitting at the same weight and measurements are the same for 5 weeks now. VERY frustrating. I was hoping that maybe the EPO would help the hormones so that I could lose again...and the CLA cound help w/ the weight loss. Make sence?? LOL. I feel like my thoughts are so all over the place..LOL!

I saw that about the Borage Oil, that it had so much more...and that was disheartening since I already have 2 huge bottle of the EPO...so knowing that it's actually better makes me MUCH happier

As far as the dosages... My EPO is 1300mg but only 100mg GLA. Should the GLA be between 500 mg-3000mg, like you were discribing, or is that the total mg?

And since I am trying to take it for weight loss as well as trying to straighten out my hormones so I CAN lose some of this stinkin weight, how much would you recommend??

Thank you SOOOOO much. I swear the people at the vitamin stores don't know as much as you do. Where did you learn all of this stuff?!?

Thanks again, you are the BESTEST!!!!!

[jsj0305]

Re: Okay Biogeek...CLA/GLA??

Also, what things does prostaglandin E1 help with???

Thanks!

[biogeek]

Re: Okay Biogeek...CLA/GLA??

The dosages I described were for EPO, so for what you currently have, take 2 to 3 spread throughout the day. People respond to different dosages with supplements and medications, so you may have to adjust as necessary. Also make certain that they brand you have has been tested by an independent auditor to make certain it has what the manufacturers state it has.

As far as CLA is concerned, I believe that most of its claims are wishful thinking by manufacturers and those that want a magic pill. The published reports on it are pretty fuzzy, so personally, I can not recommend it for weightloss. GLA, on the other hand, is very well studied.

Feel free to take CLA if it'll make you feel better, but it IS expensive, so beware.

To answer your question regarding prostaglandin E1, it is made from fatty acids you consume, including GLA. Not all prostaglandins are good, in fact, some CAUSE pain and other ailments. That's why I'm specifically listing E1 type, which is what your body makes when you consume GLA.

There's been a lot of clinical studies published that show that women with PMS have low prostaglandin E1 levels and they are replenished, they feel relief. In fact, much bigger geeks than me have won the 1982 Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering the roles of prostaglandins and various biological mechanisms, including PMS. Pretty cool, eh?

As far as how I know what I know, I've taken many, many nutrition courses for fun, not to mention all the science courses I had to take for my degrees. I also read a lot a science, medicial, and nutrition journals for fun. It's one way for me to relax.

I think I answered all your questions? If not, ask away!

[jsj0305]

Re: Okay Biogeek...CLA/GLA??

Wow!! Okay so I feel great about taking just my EPO then! I did take 3 today but all at once..Tomorrow I will spread them out.

Also, I have to take 3 multi vitamins a day, should I spread those out as well??

I feel like a smarty pants myself now! I told DH all this and he said that I knew a lot about it! LOL. Thanks so much!!!!!

I feel so educated about the decision I am making, and that is really nice, considering you con google anything and find what you want to here. Now I have the facts and I LOVE IT!! Thanks a million!!!

[biogeek]

Re: Okay Biogeek...CLA/GLA??

I would spread your multivitamin as well. Glad your DH thinks you're a smartypants now! There's a lot to learn about nutrition and I think it would benefit most people to read up on the subject. I'm glad you've taken the first step! There ARE many good sites about nutrition and such, but you have to be careful where the info comes from. Keep us informed on how the GLA helps you.