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When taken by mouth: Omega-6 fatty acids are LIKELY SAFE when consumed by adults and children over the age of 12 months as part of the diet in amounts between 5% and 10% of daily calories. However, there is not enough reliable information available to know if omega-6 fatty acids are safe to use as medicine.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Omega-6 fatty acids are
LIKELY SAFE when consumed as part of the diet in amounts between 5% and 10% of daily calories. Higher intakes are
POSSIBLY UNSAFE as they might increase the risk of having a very small infant. There isn't enough reliable information to know if omega-6 fatty acid supplements are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD): Omega-6 fatty acids can make breathing more difficult in people with COPD. Do not use omega-6 fatty acids if you have COPD.
Diabetes: High intakes of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure in people with diabetes. Until more is known, do not use omega-6 fatty acid supplements if you have diabetes.
High triglycerides (a type of fat): Omega-6 fatty acids can raise triglyceride levels. Do not use omega-6 fatty acids if your triglycerides are too high.
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Side effects of omega-6 supplements include diarrhea and seizures. Individuals with the history of seizures should not take these supplements. Side effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding were not studied, so it is best to avoid GLA supplements during these periods.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids Interactions with Drugs
Omega-6 fatty acids supplements (gamma-linolenic acid, black currant seed oil, borage seed oil, evening primrose seed oil, flaxseed oil) may increase the risk of bleeding in individuals who take anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners), such as aspirin, clopidogrel, dalteparin, dipyridamole, enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine or warfarin. *
