Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Evening primrose oil is primarily recognized for its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, which has been associated with various health benefits, particularly in areas related to hormonal balance, skin health, and certain inflammatory conditions.

In the context of menopausal hot flashes, evening primrose oil may help alleviate symptoms due to its potential effect on hormonal regulation and its anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, it is often used for skin hydration because the fatty acids in the oil can help maintain skin barrier function and moisture, making it beneficial for conditions such as eczema or dermatitis. Breast pain relief, particularly in premenstrual syndrome (PMS), has been another common use, as the GLA is thought to alleviate cyclic breast pain by influencing hormonal balance.

While evening primrose oil has many beneficial uses, sports recovery is not typically associated with it. Although some athletes may seek out various oils and supplements for recovery support, evening primrose oil does not have substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness in enhancing sports recovery or performance compared to other nutrients or supplements specifically targeted for these purposes. Therefore, it stands out as the option that does not align with the common uses of evening primrose oil.