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Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea buckthorn oil is nutritionally interesting — it is one of very few plant oils containing palmitoleic acid (omega-7) — but the human evidence is thin. The single reasonably sized trial found a small effect on dry eye symptoms; everything else is preliminary.

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What the science says

  • Modest improvement in dry eye Limited evidence

    A three-month randomized double-blind trial in 100 people with dry eye symptoms found that 2 g/day sea buckthorn oil attenuated the seasonal rise in tear film osmolarity and produced small reductions in redness and burning. The effect on symptoms was borderline and the trial has not been replicated at scale, so this remains a single-study finding.

  • Skin barrier and atopic dermatitis Limited evidence

    Systematic reviews of dietary supplements for established atopic eczema have not found convincing evidence for sea buckthorn or the other fatty-acid supplements assessed. Mechanistic work on omega-7 and skin barrier lipids is interesting but has not translated into clinical outcome data.

  • Cardiometabolic and vaginal atrophy claims Limited evidence

    Small trials report minor changes in lipids or in mucosal integrity, but the studies are underpowered and often unblinded. There is no meta-analytic support for any cardiometabolic claim.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe dry eye trial used 2 g/day of sea buckthorn oil (about 5 mL) for three months. Commercial products commonly supply 500-1,000 mg/day, often standardized to palmitoleic acid content. No dose has been established for any other use.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated; occasional GI upset and, rarely, allergic reactions. The oil is deeply orange from carotenoids and can transiently tint skin at very high intakes. Theoretical antiplatelet activity means caution with anticoagulants and before surgery. Insufficient data in pregnancy and lactation — avoid. Quality varies widely: seed oil and berry (pulp) oil have quite different fatty acid profiles, and labels frequently do not distinguish them.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter; take it at the same time each day for consistency.
With food?Take it with a meal containing fat, since the carotenoids and fatty acids absorb better that way.
Worth knowingCheck whether the label says seed oil or berry (pulp) oil - they have very different fatty acid profiles and most brands do not say.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin, DOACs and antiplatelet drugs

    Sea buckthorn oil has antiplatelet activity that may add to the drug's effect. tell your prescriber and stop it at least a week before surgery

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does sea buckthorn oil help dry eyes?

The evidence is limited: one three-month trial in 100 people found 2 g/day of sea buckthorn oil slightly reduced tear film osmolarity, redness and burning, but the symptom effect was borderline. It is a single unreplicated study.

Is sea buckthorn oil good for skin or eczema?

Systematic reviews of supplements for atopic eczema have not found convincing evidence for sea buckthorn oil. Its omega-7 content is mechanistically interesting for skin barrier lipids, but that has not translated into clinical outcome data.

How much sea buckthorn oil should I take?

The dry eye trial used 2 g/day of sea buckthorn oil (about 5 mL) for three months, while commercial products commonly supply 500-1,000 mg/day. Take it with a meal containing fat, and check whether the label says seed oil or berry (pulp) oil, since their fatty acid profiles differ.

Does sea buckthorn oil interact with blood thinners?

Sea buckthorn oil has antiplatelet activity that may add to warfarin, DOACs or antiplatelet drugs. Tell your prescriber and stop it at least a week before surgery.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Leven Rose, 100% Pure & Organic, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, 1 fl oz (30 ml)

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