benefits of taking evening primrose oil supplements
The benefit of taking evening primrose oil is increasing the levels of GLA in your body, which could be low if you're not eating enough of the right fats, drink too much alcohol, have low thyroid function, or are undergoing radiation treatment [source: Brown].
Evening primrose oil may be effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic nerve disorders, but its usefulness is not clear in the treatment of a type of eczema, hot flashes, breast pain, or multiple sclerosis.
And some studies suggest that supplements that contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), including evening primrose oil, may be of some benefit to people with rheumatoid arthritis. But more research is needed on the use of evening primrose oil for both of these conditions.
Evening primrose oil is available as an oil or in capsules. For adults, the recommended dosage is 2 to 8 grams a day. For children being treated for skin rash, the recommended dosage is 2 to 4 grams [source: Mayo Clinic]. Take it with food to maximize absorption.