Camelina Oil: The Complete Scientific Guide

🧬 What is Camelina Oil? Complete Identification

Camelina oil is a plant‑derived edible seed oil typically containing ≈30–40% alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA), making it one of the richer plant sources of omega‑3 fatty acids.

Medical definition: Camelina oil is the triglyceride‑rich extract obtained from seeds of Camelina sativa (Brassicaceae), used as a culinary oil and a dietary supplement providing primarily alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n‑3), linoleic acid (LA; 18:2 n‑6) and oleic acid (18:1 n‑9).

Alternative names: Camelina sativa seed oil, false flax oil, gold‑of‑pleasure oil, and common commercial labels such as "camelina seed oil" or "press cake / camelina oil".

Classification: plant‑derived seed oil; category: fatty acids / seed oil; subcategory: edible, nutraceutical oil rich in plant omega‑3 (triglyceride form).

Chemical formula (representative major fatty acid): Alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA): C18H30O2. Camelina oil itself is a complex mixture of triglycerides and minor lipid components.

Origin and production: produced by mechanical cold‑pressing and/or solvent extraction of Camelina sativa seeds, followed by optional refining (degumming, neutralization, bleaching, deodorization) for edible or supplement use; softgels use standard oil‑in‑gelatin vegetarian encapsulation.

📜 History and Discovery

Archaeobotanical records show camelina was used for oil and food since at least the Bronze Age (~2000–1000 BCE).

• Bronze Age (~2000–1000 BCE): archaeobotanical evidence identifies camelina seeds in European sites, indicating long historical use.
• Medieval period: used regionally for lamp oil, food and animal feed.
• 18th–19th centuries: botanical classification and descriptions refined in European literature.
• Late 20th century (1970s–1990s): renewed agronomic interest as a low‑input oilseed crop and industrial feedstock (biofuels, lubricants).
• 2000s–2010s: nutritional interest for ALA content rose; breeding reduced erucic acid and improved cultivars for food use.
• 2010s–2020s: commercialization for specialty edible oil and supplements, plus animal feed applications to increase omega‑3 in animal products.

Discoverers: Domestication and early use are not attributable to one modern discoverer; modern biochemical and agronomic characterization is the work of many botanists and agronomists across Europe and North America during the 19th–21st centuries.

Traditional vs. modern use: traditionally an oil and lamp fuel; modern uses prioritize culinary oil, dietary supplements (softgels), and feed ingredients for aquaculture and poultry.

Fascinating facts:

• False flax: camelina resembles flax but is in the Brassicaceae family.
• Antioxidant content: naturally contains tocopherols (notably γ‑tocopherol), improving oxidative stability relative to some high‑ALA oils.

⚗️ Chemistry and Biochemistry

The fatty acid profile of commercial food cultivars of camelina oil is typically ~30–40% ALA, ~12–25% LA, and ~12–20% oleic acid.

Detailed molecular structure: camelina oil is predominantly triacylglycerols consisting of glycerol esterified to three fatty acyl chains; the acyl chains are mainly 18‑carbon PUFAs and MUFAs (ALA, LA, oleic), plus smaller amounts of eicosenoic and saturated fatty acids.

Representative molecular components:

• Alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA) — C18H30O2, molar mass 278.43 g·mol‑1.
• Linoleic acid (LA) — C18H32O2, molar mass 280.45 g·mol‑1.
• Oleic acid — C18H34O2, molar mass 282.47 g·mol‑1.
• Minor components include tocopherols (γ‑tocopherol predominant), plant sterols (campesterol, sitosterol), and phenolic antioxidants.

Physicochemical properties:

• State: liquid at 20 °C (yellow‑amber).
• Density: ~0.91–0.93 g/mL.
• Iodine value: high (reflects unsaturation; cultivar dependent).
• Oxidative status: fresh cold‑pressed oils have peroxide values ideally <5–10 meq O2/kg.

Dosage forms and galenic options:

Stability and storage: store in opaque, airtight containers; refrigerate (4–10 °C) for best shelf life; avoid heat, light and oxygen exposure; use within 6–12 months for cold‑pressed oils.

💊 Pharmacokinetics: The Journey in Your Body

Dietary camelina oil is absorbed as triglyceride fatty acids with typical dietary fat absorption efficiency of >90% in healthy adults when taken with a fat‑containing meal.

Absorption and Bioavailability

Site and mechanism: triglycerides are emulsified by bile salts in the duodenum, hydrolyzed by pancreatic lipase to 2‑monoacylglycerols and free fatty acids, incorporated into mixed micelles, taken up by enterocytes, re‑esterified and packaged into chylomicrons for lymphatic transport to the circulation.

Influencing factors (list):

• Concomitant dietary fat (enhances micelle formation).
• Use of lipase inhibitors (orlistat) or bile‑sequestrants (reduce absorption).
• Formulation: softgels behave similarly to liquid oil when taken with food.
• Gastrointestinal disease, age and pancreatic function affect absorption.

Form comparison: triglyceride oil (cold‑pressed or refined) typically achieves >90% absorption in healthy adults; softgels are comparable when ingested with food (>80–90%).

Distribution and Metabolism

Distribution: absorbed fatty acids are carried in chylomicrons through lymph and blood, hydrolyzed by lipoprotein lipase delivering fatty acids to adipose, muscle and liver; a portion is incorporated into cell membranes and lipoprotein phospholipids.

Metabolism: ALA can be β‑oxidized for energy or undergo sequential desaturation/elongation (Δ6‑desaturase (FADS2) → elongase ELOVL5 → Δ5‑desaturase (FADS1)) to generate EPA (limited conversion) and further to DHA (very limited in humans).

Conversion rates: approximate adult conversion of dietary ALA → EPA is typically 5–10%, while ALA → DHA is usually 1% or less, with sex and individual variability.

Elimination

Routes: oxidation to CO2 and water, incorporation into tissue lipids, and hepatic clearance of lipoprotein remnants; acute postprandial rises decline over 6–24 hours, while tissue incorporation changes over weeks to months.

Half‑life: no single half‑life applies; chylomicron TGs return toward baseline in 6–12 hours; RBC and membrane phospholipid changes reach new steady states over 4–12 weeks.

🔬 Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Camelina oil acts mainly via its ALA content to alter membrane lipids, modulate eicosanoid substrates and activate lipid‑sensing nuclear receptors (notably PPARs), producing metabolic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

• Cellular targets: membrane phospholipids, nuclear receptors (PPAR‑α/γ), G protein‑coupled receptors (GPR120/FFAR4), COX/LOX enzymes.
• Pathways: reduced NF‑κB activation, altered COX/LOX eicosanoid profiles (less AA‑derived proinflammatory prostaglandins), PPAR‑mediated increases in fatty acid oxidation gene expression (e.g., CPT1A).
• Genetic effects: transcriptional modulation of SREBP‑1c (down), PPAR targets (up), and possible feedback on desaturase/elongase expression (FADS1/2, ELOVL5).
• Molecular synergy: co‑antioxidants (vitamin E) protect PUFA from peroxidation; combining preformed EPA/DHA with ALA provides additive effects.

✨ Science‑Backed Benefits

Available evidence supports that camelina oil reliably raises circulating ALA and can modestly affect triglycerides and inflammatory markers, but randomized trial evidence specific to camelina oil is limited.

🎯 1) Improvement in omega‑3 status

Evidence Level: high

Physiology: dietary camelina oil increases plasma and tissue ALA, raising the plant‑derived omega‑3 pool.

Molecular mechanism: direct incorporation of dietary ALA into plasma lipids and cell membranes; partial enzymatic conversion to EPA.

Target populations: vegetarians/vegans, low‑fish consumers.

Onset: measurable changes in plasma/RBC fatty acid composition within 1–4 weeks, steady state in 4–12 weeks.

Clinical Study: Controlled feeding and fatty acid profiling studies (see primary composition data) report increases in plasma ALA concentrations by proportional amounts to intake; specific RCTs of camelina oil with PMIDs are not available in the supplied dataset and require live literature retrieval for PMIDs/DOIs.

🎯 2) Modest triglyceride reduction

Evidence Level: medium

Physiology: PUFAs reduce hepatic VLDL synthesis and increase β‑oxidation, lowering serum triglycerides.

Mechanism: PPAR‑α activation and suppression of SREBP‑1c → decreased lipogenesis and VLDL output.

Target populations: mild hypertriglyceridemia, metabolic syndrome.

Onset: detectable within 4–12 weeks, dose dependent.

Clinical Study: Evidence mainly extrapolated from ALA and mixed‑oil trials reporting modest TG reductions (range variable); specific camelina oil RCT data with PMIDs not present in provided dataset.

🎯 3) Anti‑inflammatory biomarker modulation

Evidence Level: medium

Physiology and mechanism: ALA shifts substrate competition away from arachidonic acid, reduces proinflammatory eicosanoids, and modulates NF‑κB via PPAR cross‑talk.

Target populations: low‑grade chronic inflammation, metabolic syndrome.

Onset: biomarker changes in 4–12 weeks.

Clinical Study: Biomarker studies of plant omega‑3 sources indicate reductions in CRP and selected cytokines; camelina‑specific RCTs with detailed quantitative results require literature retrieval for PMIDs/DOIs.

🎯 4) Skin barrier and dermatologic support

Evidence Level: low‑to‑medium

Physiology: EFAs are structural components of epidermal lipids supporting barrier function and hydration.

Target populations: dry skin, mild atopic dermatitis, topical cosmetic use.

Onset: topical changes within days–weeks; dietary effects typically 6–12 weeks.

Clinical Study: Small topical and dietary studies of EFA‑rich oils show improved TEWL and skin hydration; camelina‑specific RCT data require PMIDs/DOIs via updated search.

🎯 5) Support for endothelial function and modest BP effects

Evidence Level: low‑to‑medium

Mechanism: altered endothelial membrane lipids, increased NO bioavailability, decreased vascular inflammation.

Onset: weeks to months; BP effects modest and variable.

Clinical Study: General omega‑3 literature reports modest improvements in endothelial function; camelina‑specific trials with quantitative BP changes and PMIDs are not in the supplied dataset.

🎯 6) Potential adjunct for NAFLD (hepatic fat reduction)

Evidence Level: low

Mechanism: increased β‑oxidation and reduced lipogenesis via PPAR‑α induction may reduce hepatic triglyceride accumulation.

Onset: measurable change usually requires 3–6 months.

Clinical Study: Evidence largely preliminary and extrapolated from PUFA trials; camelina‑specific clinical RCTs require live literature search for PMIDs.

🎯 7) Exercise recovery and oxidative stress modulation

Evidence Level: low‑to‑medium

Mechanism: ALA and tocopherols reduce exercise‑induced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, potentially aiding recovery.

Onset: biomarkers may change within days–weeks; performance effects modest.

Clinical Study: Some athlete studies with mixed omega‑3 sources show reduced post‑exercise cytokines; camelina‑specific RCTs and PMIDs not available in the provided dataset.

🎯 8) Cognitive and mood support (possible)

Evidence Level: low

Mechanism: indirect effects via membrane lipids and anti‑inflammatory modulation; limited by low ALA→DHA conversion.

Onset: months for any potential effect (6–12+ weeks).

Clinical Study: Evidence for ALA for mood/cognition is mixed; preformed EPA/DHA trials show stronger effects; camelina‑specific RCT PMIDs not included in supplied dataset.

📊 Current Research (2020–2026)

At the time of this report, the supplied dataset did not include verifiable RCT PMIDs/DOIs for camelina oil trials (2020–2026); a targeted, live literature search is required to provide the requested minimum six verifiable citations.

How to proceed: I can perform a live PubMed/DOI extraction if you permit or you may supply PMIDs/DOIs. Until then, summarized translational and mechanistic evidence below is drawn from the provided composition and lipid metabolism literature, not from specific RCT PMIDs.

💊 Optimal Dosage and Usage

No official NIH/ODS dosing for camelina oil exists; practical dosing is based on ALA content and common supplemental practice: typical supplemental range is 1–3 g/day of camelina oil (providing roughly 300–1,200 mg ALA depending on formulation).

Recommended Daily Dose (NIH/ODS Reference)

Standard (food): 1–3 tablespoons (15–45 mL) per day as culinary oil (~5–15 g ALA possible depending on oil concentration).

Supplemental softgels: many products supply 500–1,000 mg oil per capsule; common supplemental intake is 1–3 g oil/day delivering ~300–1,000 mg ALA.

Therapeutic range and caution: avoid very high supplemental ALA doses (≫3–6 g/day) without clinician oversight due to bleeding risk concerns; monitor if on anticoagulants.

Timing

Optimal timing: take with meals containing some fat to maximize absorption and chylomicron formation. Softgels should be swallowed with food.

Forms and Bioavailability

Best bioavailability: triglyceride oil forms (cold‑pressed/refined or softgels) have high absorption — typically >90% when taken with a fat‑containing meal; softgels comparable to liquid oil.

🤝 Synergies and Combinations

Most useful combinations: co‑formulation or concurrent intake with vitamin E, and combining ALA‑rich oils with preformed EPA/DHA to overcome conversion limits.

• Vitamin E (α‑tocopherol): co‑supplementation protects PUFAs from peroxidation (recommended ~5–15 IU per gram PUFA in formulation practice).
• EPA/DHA (fish or algal oil): adds preformed long‑chain n‑3 for cardiometabolic and neurocognitive benefits.
• Dietary MUFA (olive oil): culinary pattern synergy (Mediterranean‑like diets).

⚠️ Safety and Side Effects

Camelina oil is generally well tolerated in food amounts; most common adverse events are gastrointestinal and mild — serious events are rare.

Side Effect Profile

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort (estimated frequency 1–10% in supplemental studies of plant oils).
• Loose stools/steatorrhea at high doses (≤5% frequency).
• Allergic reactions in Brassicaceae‑sensitive individuals: rare (<1%).

Overdose

Toxicity threshold: no standardized human LD50; excessive intake may cause GI symptoms and theoretical bleeding risk. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, dehydration and increased bleeding/bruising in susceptible individuals.

Management: supportive care, discontinue supplement, evaluate coagulation parameters if bleeding suspected, and treat allergic reactions per standard protocols.

💊 Drug Interactions

Camelina oil can interact pharmacodynamically with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs; caution is recommended particularly with high supplemental doses.

⚕️ Anticoagulants / Antiplatelet agents

• Medications: warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), aspirin
• Interaction: increased bleeding tendency (pharmacodynamic)
• Severity: medium–high
• Recommendation: consult prescribing clinician; maintain consistent intake; monitor INR for warfarin; avoid initiating high‑dose supplements without supervision.

⚕️ Orlistat (lipase inhibitor)

• Medications: orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
• Interaction: reduced absorption of camelina oil (pharmacokinetic)
• Severity: medium
• Recommendation: separate dosing awareness; expect reduced ALA absorption.

⚕️ Bile acid sequestrants

• Medications: cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid)
• Interaction: reduced lipid absorption
• Severity: medium
• Recommendation: separate dosing by ~4 hours when feasible.

⚕️ Antihypertensives

• Medications: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta‑blockers
• Interaction: additive blood pressure lowering
• Severity: low–medium
• Recommendation: monitor BP after initiating supplements; adjust meds if symptomatic hypotension occurs.

⚕️ Lipid‑lowering agents

• Medications: statins (atorvastatin), fibrates (fenofibrate)
• Interaction: additive lipid effects; monitor liver enzymes as per standard care
• Severity: low–medium
• Recommendation: continue therapy; monitor lipids and liver function.

⚕️ Immunomodulators / chemotherapy

• Medications: various immunosuppressants and chemotherapeutics
• Interaction: potential pharmacodynamic modulation of inflammation; individualized assessment required
• Severity: variable
• Recommendation: consult specialist before high‑dose supplementation.

🚫 Contraindications

Absolute contraindications include known severe allergy to camelina or Brassicaceae family members and acute uncontrolled bleeding.

Absolute Contraindications

• Severe hypersensitivity to Camelina sativa or related species.
• Active major bleeding or uncontrolled coagulopathy (avoid high‑dose use).

Relative Contraindications

• Therapeutic anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy (use with clinician oversight).
• Biliary obstruction or severe malabsorption syndromes.
• Concurrent use of orlistat or bile acid sequestrants (affects absorption).

Special Populations

• Pregnancy: culinary use acceptable; avoid initiating high‑dose ALA supplements without obstetric consultation.
• Breastfeeding: dietary use acceptable; high‑dose supplementation should be clinician‑guided.
• Children: use as dietary oil; concentrated supplements require pediatric guidance.
• Elderly: start low, monitor polypharmacy and bleeding risk.

🔄 Comparison with Alternatives

Compared with flaxseed oil (≈50% ALA) and chia oil, camelina provides a somewhat lower ALA percentage (~30–40%) but more natural tocopherols improving oxidative stability.

• Flaxseed oil: higher ALA (~45–55%) but more oxidation‑sensitive and often requires stricter cold storage.
• Chia oil: similar ALA content; product differences mainly in minor antioxidants and flavor.
• Fish/algal oil: provide preformed EPA/DHA (stronger evidence for cardiometabolic/neuro outcomes); choose camelina for plant‑based omega‑3 needs.

✅ Quality Criteria and Product Selection (US Market)

Choose products with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) showing fatty acid profile (ALA %), low erucic acid (<1%), low peroxide/TOTOX values and third‑party certification (USDA Organic, Non‑GMO, NSF or USP where applicable).

• Look for GC fatty acid profile verifying ALA (~30–40%) and erucic acid <1% for food cultivars.
• Peroxide value <5–10 meq O2/kg indicates fresh oil.
• Packing: dark glass bottles, nitrogen‑flushed, clear expiration date.
• Third‑party test marks (NSF Certified, USP Verified, ConsumerLab) increase confidence.

📝 Practical Tips

• Store unopened bottles refrigerated and use within the manufacturer recommended date; refrigerate after opening.
• Use cold‑pressed oil for dressings and low‑heat cooking; choose refined oil for higher heat applications after confirming smoke point on label.
• If taking softgels, swallow with a meal containing fat for best absorption.
• Co‑supplement with vitamin E or choose formulations that include antioxidants to preserve oil integrity.
• Inform clinicians about supplemental use if you take anticoagulants or are scheduled for surgery.

🎯 Conclusion: Who Should Take Camelina Oil?

Camelina oil is a practical plant‑based option for individuals seeking dietary ALA — particularly vegetarians/vegans and those preferring sustainable low‑input oilseed crops — but it is not a substitute for preformed EPA/DHA when those specific clinical benefits are required.

Recommendations: use camelina oil as part of a balanced diet to raise plant omega‑3 status (typical supplemental dosing 1–3 g/day); consider adding an EPA/DHA source for cardiometabolic or neuropsychiatric therapeutic targets; consult a clinician before high‑dose supplementation or if on anticoagulant therapy.

Note on citations and primary clinical trials: The provided, authoritative dataset used for this article contains detailed compositional, pharmacokinetic and mechanistic information but did not include verifiable PMIDs/DOIs for camelina‑specific randomized controlled trials (2020–2026). If you require exact trial citations (minimum six RCTs with PMIDs/DOIs) I can perform a live literature extraction and update the article to include formatted study entries and precise quantitative results. Please authorize a literature search or supply PMIDs/DOIs to be included.