In the 1980s, GLA was studied more intensively than any other nutrient: About 200 clinical trials
took place in university hospitals and medical schools throughout the world. Dr. Horrobin’s
clinical studies have led him to believe that a lack of essential fatty acids could turn out to be
one of the most common defects in human biochemistry and a significant factor in many
diseases. Essential fatty acids are especially important in the function of nerve, muscle, and
immune systems, for when people lack the proper balance, the neurological, endocrine, and
immune systems are shown to be adversely affected.