Does borage oil contain omega-3 fatty acids?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Borage oil is mainly composed of omega-6 fatty acids. It has a particularly high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content and a very low omega-3 content. Borage oil is 30 to 40% linoleic acid (LA) and 20 to 26% GLA, and has less than 1% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Thus, it is fundamentally very different from the omega-3 sources, such as fish or flaxseed oils.
The therapeutic applications of borage oil derive from its fatty acid profile. The oil's high concentration of GLA provides potent anti-inflammatory effects due to its important role in the formation of prostaglandins. However, this oil is devoid of the useful quantities of EPA and DHA found in marine oils. Borage oil should never be used as a substitute for specialized omega-3 supplementation.
Omega-6 Components
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): 20-26%
- Linoleic acid (LA): 30-40%
- Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA): 2-4%
- Arachidonic acid (AA): <1%
Omega-3 Components
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): <1%
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): 0%
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): 0%
Other Components
- Oleic acid (omega-9): 15-20%
- Palmitic acid: 10-12%
- Stearic acid: 3-5%
- Natural antioxidants and tocopherols
Pair borage oil with omega-3 sources. Use fish oil capsules in the morning and borage oil with dinner. Follow a 1:1 to 1:4 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 to achieve a balanced inflammation response. You now get the most benefit without competition for nutrients.
To obtain the best results from borage oil use it as an anti-inflammatory supplement rather than as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. For the omega-3 requirement, use 1000-2000 mg of fish oil per day. To determine your fatty acid balance, consider getting a blood test if possible. Be sure to use PA-free certified products for safety.
Read the full article: Borage Oil Benefits for Skin and Wellness
