Sea Buckthorn Extract Supplement – Omega 7 Fatty Acids for Skin Health

Sea Buckthorn Extract is a dietary supplement containing sea buckthorn oil, standardised to 20% palmitoleic acid (an omega-7 fatty acid). Offered in the form of softgels to maximise its bioavailability, it contains a multitude of beneficial nutrients (vitamins, trace-elements, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids) and helps to normalise circulation.

What is sea buckthorn?

Often referred to as a ‘miracle plant’, sea buckthorn has a quite exceptional nutritional content. Its berries contain some of the highest levels of vitamins, essential fatty acids, trace-elements and flavonoids[1] (leucocyanidin, catechin, quercetin, camelina, flavanone, ellagic acid…) of any fruit.

But their most important characteristic is their high fatty acid content. Unlike other fruits, sea buckthorn produces and accumulates various types of fat in its pulp, seeds and skin[2]. It’s thus the primary plant source of omega-7, a monounsaturated fatty acid rarely found in the diet, which seems to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular function.

Because of this remarkable composition, global interest in sea buckthorn is booming.

Who is Sea Buckthorn Extract aimed at?

Anyone can take sea buckthorn oil, but it’s particularly relevant for:

• people over 50, and those at risk of age-related cognitive decline;
• those with a large waist circumference (excess adipose fat);
• those with hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia or hyperglycaemia;
• those with fatigue or low mood;
• those at risk of cardiovascular disease.

How is the supplement Sea Buckthorn Extract produced?

Sea Buckthorn Extract is not like other sea buckthorn oil supplements. It is obtained via non-aggressive supercritical CO2 extraction, in order to preserve its high content of omega-3 (alpha linolenic acid), omega-6 (linoleic acid), omega-9 (oleic acid), and omega-7 (palmitoleic acid). It also provides several important unsaponifiables such as carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols and phytosterols, as well as a number of flavonoids and vitamin C.

It comes in the form of softgels to maximise the absorption of its various elements.

What are Sea Buckthorn’s potential benefits?

The importance of its vitamin C, omega-3, and trace elements has been confirmed by numerous scientific studies:

• The vitamin C in sea buckthorn supports the production of collagen, plays a role both in the formation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenalin, and red blood cells, promotes the absorption of iron from plant sources, and protects cells against ageing, via a synergistic action with vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium and zinc.
• The plant-source omega-3s help to optimise cognitive function, normalise visual function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
• The vitamin E (tocotrienols and tocopherols) helps to combat the oxidative stress involved in ageing, maintain normal blood cholesterol levels and optimise cardiovascular health.
• The B group vitamins (particularly B1, B2, and B5) help to optimise nervous system function and protect cells against oxidative stress.

6 key ‘takeaways’ on sea buckthorn oil

1. Sea buckthorn oil has been used in traditional Tibetan and Mongolian medicine for more than 1000 years to optimise circulation and digestive function. China’s Ministry for Health has also categorised sea buckthorn oil as a ‘functional food’, one which, over and above its nutritional qualities, has demonstrated benefits for one or more physiological functions.
2. Sea buckthorn pulp is rich in omega-7, a rare and beneficial fatty acid which is found in just two plant species: sea buckthorn, and Hawaiian-grown macadamia nuts.
3. Sea buckthorn berries contain significant levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to maintain skin integrity, as well as a healthy immune and antioxidant system.
4. In combination with other supplements and plants, it is used for promoting healthy circulation. Several studies[3][4][5][6] have suggested it has a beneficial effect on blood viscosity and on cardiac function as a whole.
5. Sea buckthorn oil is also used in the manufacturer of cosmetics, as it’s thought to delay the appearance of wrinkles and maintain the radiance of the skin.

How should you take Sea Buckthorn Extract?

The recommended daily dose is 2 softgels, one with each of the two main meals of the day.

Note: if you’d like more information on basic supplementation and the benefits of taking a daily multivitamin, we’d recommend downloading our e-book Practical guide to nutritional supplements.

1. [1] Yang, B., & Kallio, H. (2002). Composition and physiological effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë) lipids. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 13(5), 160-167.
2. [2] Beveridge, T., Li, T.S.C., Oomah, D., & Smith, A. (1999). Sea buckthorn products: manufacture and composition. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 47(9), 3480-3488.
3. [3] Suomela JP, Ahotupa M, et al. Absorption of flavonols derived from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and their effect on emerging risk factors for cardiovascular disease in humans. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Sep 20;54(19):7364-9.
4. [4] Anti-atherogenic effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophaea rhamnoides) seed oil. Basu M, Prasad R, Jayamurthy P, Pal K, Arumughan C, Sawhney RC. Phytomedicine. 2007 Nov;14(11):770-7.
5. [5] Johansson AK, Korte H, et al. Sea buckthorn berry oil inhibits platelet aggregation. J Nutr Biochem. 2000 Oct;11(10):491-5.
6. [6] Eccleston C, Baoru Y, et al. Effects of an antioxidant-rich juice (sea buckthorn) on risk factors for coronary heart disease in humans. J Nutr Biochem. 2002 Jun;13(6):346-354.