Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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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.

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.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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

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