DGLA is able to abolish tardive dyskinesia

While researching the role of arachidonic acid and phospholipids in general, I came across a study that demonstrates the ability of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) to alleviate tardive dyskinesia in rats and pigs.

This finding is particularly interesting and supports my hypothesis that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS) are associated with a disturbance in phospholipids that form the cellular membrane.

DGLA is formed in the human body from linoleic acid, which is typically found in abundance in diets that include omega-6 oils such as sunflower oil. Linoleic acid is converted to gamma-linolenic acid at a variable rate, depending on iron sufficiency, specifically the body’s ability to synthesize heme. GLA is then converted to DGLA using NADPH and Malonyl-CoA.

However, the body’s ability to produce DGLA from linoleic acid is influenced by various factors that can lead to deficiency, especially during chronically elevated oxidative stress.

Fortunately, GLA is readily available as a supplement, such as in Borage oil or Evening Primrose oil.