Scientists classify gamma-linolenic acid (also known as GLA) as one of the two main types of essential fatty acids. These are "good" fats that are as necessary for your health as vitamins.
Specifically, GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to make various hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These substances influence inflammation and pain. For that reason GLA in the right amounts may tip the body’s inflammatory state in a favorable direction, making it potentially useful for various illnesses such as arthritis and dermatitis.