GLA and Borage Seed OIl: the undervalued benefit of omega 6 oils for Autism and Neuroinflammation

bohololo
1 day ago
3 min read

Borage Oil (GLA) and Autism: calming the eicosanoid “weather” in the brain–immune–gut loop

There is a strong tilt towards Omega 3 supplementation in the nutriceutical and autism support world and Omega 6 has frequently been demonised. Wrongly so, as not all Omega 6 oils are alike.

On the contrary there are some omega 6 oils that are highly suited to supporting the pathology of ASD and neuroinflammatory conditions/

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)—the key fatty acid in borage (starflower) seed oil—doesn’t work like a sedative or a nootropic. Its strength is quieter: it reshapes inflammatory signaling, which can matter when autistic children show neuroinflammatory patterns (microglial priming, cytokine surges, mast-cell activation, and gut–brain cross-talk).

Borage: A 'high benefit' oil that shows up frequently as a wonderful support nutrient in Bio-resonance testing for individuals with ASD

Borage seed oil frequently tests as a 'high benefit' support in the children I work with. When we look closer at its interactions with the immune system alongside its ability to dampen Ca²⁺-driven immune activation (frequently an issue in ASD children and one that drives neuroinflammation and excito-toxin damage to the brain with all the accompanying symptoms), support the endocrine system by 'cooling' the inflammatory response of the immune system (again a hot point for imbalance in ASD children) it is easy to understand why Borage seed oil is a nutrient support that is so well indicated to support the pathology picture of those on the autism spectrum.

Why neuroinflammation shows up in autism

Many autistic children display a mix of:

Microglial activation and “primed” innate immune tone
Cytokine skew (e.g., IL-6/IL-17 pathways) that can amplify cortical irritability
Mast-cell / eicosanoid involvement (prostaglandins, leukotrienes) affecting pain, sleep, and behaviour
Gut barrier/microbiome issues feeding immune noise that reaches the brain via vagal and humoral routes

In short: the lipid mediators we make from dietary fats can tilt the system toward either flare or resolution.

What does GLA do?

GLA converts to DGLA (dihomo-γ-linolenic acid), a cousin of arachidonic acid (AA) that competes for the same enzymes:

↑ PGE₁ (from DGLA) → generally anti-inflammatory, pro-cAMP, vasodilatory; can soften neuro-immune reactivity.
↑ 15-HETrE (from DGLA) → a natural 5-LOX brake that reduces LTB₄, a leukotriene linked to neutrophil/microglial activation and pain sensitivity.
↓ LTB₄ tone → may blunt “wired–inflamed” behaviour (irritability, sleep fragmentation, sensory storm).

Think of GLA as tilting the eicosanoid mix away from AA-driven leukotrienes/prostaglandins and toward DGLA-derived mediators that tend to cool glial and mast-cell signalling.

This is absolutely key to the background scene of autistic pathology, and modulating these pathways is vitally important improving the key dysfunctions in the 'brain on fire' scenario or autism. It is also why so many people with chronic headaches find relief when they start taking a GLA supplement.

Why borage oil (vs. other GLA sources)?

Highest natural GLA content (≈20–24%), so fewer capsules to reach a clinical dose.
Evening primrose works too (≈8–10% GLA) but often needs more capsules.

Practical use in autistic children (clinician-guided)

There is a symptom profile that seems to particularly benefit from supplementation with GLA, and it will be familiar to many parents with children on the spectrum: nightwaking, irritability, skin issues, stool symptoms, headaches etc.

Typical GLA range: ~300–600 mg GLA/day (borage oil provides ~100–240 mg GLA per 500–1000 mg softgel—check label).Pair with omega-3s (EPA/DHA): This helps prevent unwanted AA accumulation and complements DGLA’s effects.Quality: Choose PA-free (pyrrolizidine-alkaloid–free), third-party–tested borage oil.

Trial structure (8–12 weeks):

Baseline notes: sleep latency/awakenings, irritability, pain/somatic complaints, stool pattern, eczema/dermographism, and any headache episodes.
Start low, build to target over 1–2 weeks.
Keep diet and other supplements steady for interpretability.
Reassess at weeks 4 and 10 (behaviour + sleep + GI + skin). Optional labs in research-minded settings: AA:DGLA ratio.

Who seems to benefit most (phenotype clues)

Night-waking + irritability with clear inflammatory triggers (infections, allergies, gut flares).
Mast-cell/eczema history, seasonal flares, or NSAID sensitivity (eicosanoid-heavy presentations).
GI discomfort that tracks with behaviour (suggesting gut–immune signaling upstream of meltdowns).

Safety & interactions

Generally well tolerated; occasional GI upset or burping. Use PA-free products. Coordinate with your plan and with your practitioner if the child is on anticoagulants/antiplatelets or complex immunotherapies.

Medical disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not disregard, delay, or change professional medical guidance because of something you have read here. Always seek the advice of your physician, GP, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions about a medical condition or treatment. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.