How to Choose a Borage Extract Supplement: A Practical Consumer Guide

Among essential fatty acid supplements, borage extract supplements—particularly formulas providing a standardized 205 mg serving—are prized for supporting skin barrier function and joint comfort. However, because plant extracts vary widely in quality and safety, learning how to read the label is essential. Here is your practical, evidence-based guide to selecting a safe, effective borage extract.

A 205 mg borage extract capsule is designed to supply targeted lipid cofactors to help ease morning joint stiffness and replenish depleted epidermal ceramides.

4 Critical Things to Look for on the Label

Guaranteed 'PA-Free' Certification

Borage plants naturally contain trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can cause liver toxicity if consumed repeatedly. Never purchase a borage extract unless the label explicitly guarantees it is 'Certified Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid-Free' or 'PA-Free.'

Standardized GLA Percentage

Look for a label that states the exact concentration—typically 20% to 24% Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), guaranteeing roughly 41 to 50 mg of pure, active GLA per 205 mg serving.

Cold-Pressed and Hexane-Free

Choose extracts produced via cold-pressing or supercritical CO2 extraction, and verify that the product is certified 100% hexane-free and solvent-free.

Added Antioxidants for Freshness

Quality formulations include natural mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) or rosemary extract inside the softgel to maintain lipid freshness.

Safety Considerations & Practical Use

Taking your 205 mg softgel alongside a meal easily prevents minor digestive looseness. Because GLA metabolites have mild natural antiplatelet aggregation effects, individuals taking prescription blood thinners should consult their physician before starting daily use.

In our core formulations—Very Naturally Known Men’s Wellness and Very Naturally Known Women’s Wellness—borage extract (205 mg) is balanced with marine collagen peptides and fulvic acid to deliver clean, circadian nutritional support without unnecessary fillers.

What Does '205 mg Borage Extract' Mean on a Supplement Label?

It means the softgel contains 205 milligrams of pure borage seed extract. If standardized to 20% GLA, that single capsule delivers approximately 41 mg of pure, active gamma-linolenic acid to support cellular pathways.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take Borage Extract?

Take your borage extract softgel with a meal—such as breakfast or dinner. Taking it alongside dietary fats stimulates normal digestive bile and enzyme release, optimizing absorption.

Can Borage Extract Be Taken Together with Omega-3 Fish Oil?

Yes. In fact, many clinical practitioners recommend combining GLA from borage extract with EPA/DHA from fish oil, as they work synergistically to support balanced, anti-inflammatory eicosanoid pathways.