Omega-6 fatty acids, particularly gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, are commonly used as a nutritional supplement, because it is touted to have a variety of health benefits dur to its anti-inflammatory properties. The main sources of dietary GLA are evening primrose oil and borage oil, both of which are expensive because of its high production costs and low productivity.

Arcadia Biosciences today announced that through a combination of plant breeding and biotechnology, they were able to produce safflower seeds containing oil with as much as 65% GLA (pdf file available for download).

"Higher levels of GLA in seed oils will offer significant opportunities for consumers who want the health benefits of GLA without the cost, inconvenience and calories associated with consuming large numbers of capsules every day," said Eric Rey, president and CEO of Arcadia. "For example, if an individual consumes seven capsules per day of evening primrose oil with 10 percent GLA, in the future they may be able to get the same dose of GLA with as few as one or two capsules per day. Between our technological achievements and our commercial production partnership with Cal/West Seed Company, we remain on track to expand the use of GLA and create new markets for safflower growers."

According to another report, pending field trials, a former variety producing 35% GLA may be available for large scale production by 2009.