Dorian Yates DY LIFE Borage Oil + Vitamin E

Borage (starflower) oil (GLA)· evidence: Insufficient

Borage or starflower oil comes from the seeds of the borage plant. It is the richest common source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fat, at around 20 to 24% of the oil, more than twice that of evening primrose oil.

Studies have looked at borage oil for skin conditions and joint comfort, but reviews have generally found little or no benefit over placebo, and the evidence is limited. There are no authorised health claims for borage oil or GLA.

The borage plant naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can harm the liver. Reputable seed oils are refined or tested to be free of them.

Typical dose: Products usually give 500 to 1,000 mg of oil a day, supplying around 100 to 240 mg of GLA.

Safety: Choose products stated to be free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding and if you have liver disease. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you take anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines or medicines for epilepsy.

Research we looked at:
Bamford JTM, Ray S, Musekiwa A, et al. Oral evening primrose oil and borage oil for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;(4):CD004416.
EFSA CONTAM Panel. Risks for human health related to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in honey, tea, herbal infusions and food supplements. EFSA Journal 2017;15(7):4908.

Vitamin E· evidence: Limited

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds (tocopherols and tocotrienols); alpha-tocopherol is the form the body keeps and the one labels count. It is found in plant oils, nuts and seeds, and the NHS says you should be able to get all you need from your diet. Deficiency is very rare and usually linked to conditions that stop fat being absorbed.

Large, long trials of high-dose vitamin E have not shown benefits for heart disease, cancer or general health in well-nourished people. Some found possible harm: the SELECT trial found more prostate cancer in men taking 400 IU a day, and a meta-analysis linked very high doses to slightly higher overall mortality.

Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is more potent per IU-labelled milligram than synthetic (dl-alpha). Mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols are marketed as closer to food, but there is little good human evidence that they make a difference.

Typical dose: UK guidance: about 4 mg a day for men and 3 mg for women (NRV on labels: 12 mg). Supplements often give 100 to 400 IU (roughly 67 to 268 mg natural vitamin E).

Safety: The FSA advises that 540 mg (800 IU) a day or less from supplements is unlikely to cause harm; EFSA's upper level for adults is 300 mg a day. High doses can increase bleeding risk, so speak to your GP if you take warfarin, other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, or before surgery. Long-term high-dose use is not advised for smokers or men concerned about prostate health.

Research we looked at:
NHS. Vitamin E. nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-e
EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on dietary reference values for vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol. EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4149.
Klein EA, Thompson IM, Tangen CM, et al. Vitamin E and the risk of prostate cancer: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA 2011;306(14):1549-1556.
Miller ER, Pastor-Barriuso R, Dalal D, et al. Meta-analysis: high-dosage vitamin E supplementation may increase all-cause mortality. Ann Intern Med 2005;142(1):37-46.

Cost per daily dose lets you compare packs of different sizes fairly.Worked out from our current prices.