Evening Primrose & Starflower Oil

Winners Explained

 

Introduction

 

Evening primrose and starflower oils are both rich sources of the omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Evening primrose and starflower oils are traditionally used to help various skin conditions as well as supporting joint health. However, the most popular use now is in helping to maintain hormonal balance particularly in helping alleviate the effects of pre-menstrual syndrome. The evidence for positive effect on PMS symptoms however is inconsistent and rather weak. Furthermore, for positive effects are to be observed, it seems that intake levels need to be at a minimum of about 240mg GLA/day for at least 12 weeks.     

Evening primrose and starflower oils are often taken by vegetarians, and some products are now presented in vegetarian rather than gelatine capsules.

 

 

Quality.

All of the 24 products reviewed except Evening primrose Oil Liquid from Boots are softgel capsules. Of these, 10 products reach a minimum of 240mg GLA/day under the recommended dosage regime and these should be the products of choice, although to reach this level all except one product (Floresse Bayer) requires at least 2 capsules per day. Under the recommended highes dosages, some products provide significant levels of vitamin E – more than is required simply to prevent peroxidation of the oil. An example is High Strength EPO from ASDA which provides 30mg (300%RDA vitamin E at its highest recommended dose). 

 

Value range:

 

Of the products reviewed, the range of cost to provide 240mg GLA along with at least 2mg of vitamin E was very wide at between £0.09 to £0.79.