Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceHeart & metabolic

Echium Oil

Oil from Echium plantagineum seeds, rich in stearidonic acid, a plant fatty acid that bypasses the rate-limiting step in EPA synthesis. It does raise blood EPA more efficiently than flax oil, but no trial shows this translates into a health benefit.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Raising blood EPA Moderate evidence

    A randomized human trial found echium oil increased EPA and DPA in blood fractions more efficiently than linseed oil. The rise is still well below what a comparable dose of fish oil achieves, and DHA does not increase.

  • Metabolic and inflammatory markers Limited evidence

    A randomized trial of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements including echium oil in a metabolic syndrome and diabetes population found little effect on disease biomarkers. Surrogate improvements did not follow the fatty acid changes.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseHuman studies used roughly 15–20 g per day of echium oil, supplying around 2–3 g of stearidonic acid. Capsule doses on labels are typically 1000 mg once or twice daily, far below the studied amount.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated; digestive upset and burping are the usual complaints. Echium is a borage-family plant, so pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination is a genuine concern; choose products certified alkaloid-free, and avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding and liver disease. It provides no DHA.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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