What is it Made of?
Oil is extracted from the seeds and prepared as medicine using a chemical called hexane. The seeds contain up to 25% essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Both LA and GLA are omega-6 fatty acids. The body needs a balance of omega-6s and omega-3s (found in fish oil) to stay healthy. Most North Americans get too much omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. However, there are different types of omega-6 fatty acids. Some are healthier than others, such as those found in EPO.
Other sources of GLA include spirulina (a blue-green algae), borage, hemp, and black currant oils.