Cold-Pressed Camelina Oil (Camelina sativa)

Cold-pressed camelina oil is derived from Camelina sativa seeds and is exceptionally rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid) and vitamin E tocopherols. Its primary mechanism involves modulating lipid metabolism through ALA-driven reductions in hepatic triglyceride synthesis and LDL oxidation, improving cardiovascular and liver health markers.

Origin & History

Cold-pressed camelina oil is extracted from the seeds of Camelina sativa, a small-seeded oilseed crop native to Central Asia and historically cultivated in Northern Europe. The oil is obtained through mechanical pressing without heat or chemical solvents, preserving its high omega-3 content with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) comprising 30-40% of its fatty acid composition.

Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier does not contain information about traditional or historical medicinal use of camelina oil. Available literature focuses exclusively on modern clinical research applications.

Health Benefits

• Reduces total cholesterol by 11.64 mg/dL when taken at doses under 30g/day for more than 8 weeks (meta-analysis evidence) • Improves liver function markers and lipid profiles in NAFLD patients (RCT evidence) • Significantly elevates serum alpha-linolenic acid concentrations in older adults (pilot RCT evidence) • May improve glycemia and reduce oxidative stress in metabolic disorders (preliminary clinical evidence) • Supports cardiovascular health through favorable alterations in plasma lipid mediator profiles (RCT evidence)

How It Works

Camelina oil's high ALA content (35–45% of fatty acids) is converted in part to EPA via delta-6-desaturase and elongase enzymes, shifting eicosanoid production away from pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid pathways toward anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E3 and leukotriene B5 series. Its gamma-tocopherol and tocopherol-rich vitamin E profile inhibits lipid peroxidation by scavenging peroxyl radicals, protecting LDL particles from oxidative modification. Together, these actions reduce hepatic VLDL secretion and modulate PPAR-alpha signaling to improve lipid clearance.

Scientific Research

A 2022 meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (428 participants) found camelina oil significantly reduced total cholesterol. Clinical trials in NAFLD patients (PMID: 34423525) showed improvements in liver enzymes, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers. A pilot RCT in 66 older adults demonstrated significant elevation of serum ALA levels, while another study (PMID: 32512364) found altered plasma lipid mediators in subjects with impaired glucose metabolism.

Clinical Summary

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that camelina oil supplementation at doses under 30g/day for more than 8 weeks reduced total cholesterol by a mean of 11.64 mg/dL, representing moderate-strength evidence from pooled RCT data. A dedicated RCT in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients demonstrated significant improvements in liver function markers including ALT and AST, alongside favorable lipid profile changes. A pilot study in older adults confirmed that camelina oil consumption significantly elevates serum alpha-linolenic acid concentrations, supporting its bioavailability in an at-risk population. Overall, the evidence base is promising but limited by modest sample sizes and relatively short intervention durations, warranting larger confirmatory trials.

Nutritional Profile

Cold-pressed camelina oil is composed of approximately 99% fat (total lipids ~100 g per 100 mL), with negligible protein, carbohydrate, and fiber content. Its fatty acid profile is distinctively rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), comprising roughly 50–60% of total fatty acids. Key fatty acid composition per 100 g oil: • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3, C18:3n-3): ~30–40 g (exceptionally high among seed oils, one of the richest plant-based ALA sources) • Linoleic acid (LA, omega-6, C18:2n-6): ~15–23 g • Oleic acid (omega-9, C18:1n-9): ~12–20 g • Gondoic acid (C20:1n-9): ~12–16 g (unusually high for a seed oil) • Erucic acid (C22:1n-9): ~2–4 g • Palmitic acid (C16:0): ~5–7 g • Stearic acid (C18:0): ~2–3 g. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is favorable at approximately 0.5:1 to 0.7:1. Bioactive compounds and micronutrients: • Tocopherols (vitamin E): ~70–110 mg per 100 g total, predominantly gamma-tocopherol (~50–80 mg/100 g), with lesser amounts of alpha-tocopherol (~5–15 mg/100 g), delta-tocopherol (~3–8 mg/100 g), and beta-tocopherol (~1–3 mg/100 g); provides approximately 50–100% of daily vitamin E needs per tablespoon depending on form • Phytosterols: ~300–500 mg per 100 g, including beta-sitosterol (~150–250 mg), campesterol (~80–130 mg), and stigmasterol (~20–40 mg), which compete with intestinal cholesterol absorption • Carotenoids: ~2–5 mg per 100 g (primarily lutein and beta-carotene, contributing to its golden-yellow color) • Phospholipids: ~1–2% of crude oil • Polyphenolic compounds: trace amounts (~10–30 mg GAE per 100 g), including flavonoids and phenolic acids contributing to antioxidant capacity • Squalene: ~10–30 mg per 100 g • Coenzyme Q10: trace amounts detected. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone): ~50–100 µg per 100 g (estimated, typical of plant seed oils). Caloric density: ~884 kcal per 100 g (~120 kcal per tablespoon, 14 g). Bioavailability notes: ALA bioavailability from camelina oil is high due to its triglyceride-bound form, though endogenous conversion of ALA to EPA is limited (~5–10%) and to DHA is very low (~0.5–2%) in humans. The high gamma-tocopherol content, while a potent lipophilic antioxidant, is less bioactive as a vitamin E source compared to alpha-tocopherol due to preferential hepatic binding of alpha-tocopherol by alpha-tocopherol transfer protein. Phytosterol absorption is approximately 2–5%, but their presence in the oil matrix enhances cholesterol-lowering effects synergistically. Cold pressing preserves heat-sensitive tocopherols and phenolics compared to refined oil, maintaining higher antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability despite the high PUFA content. The oil's natural antioxidant complex (tocopherols, carotenoids, phenolics) provides notable oxidative stability for such a PUFA-rich oil, with an induction period superior to flaxseed oil.

Preparation & Dosage

Clinical studies have used 35g twice daily (70g total) in food form for 12 weeks in older adults, or doses under 30g/day for cholesterol reduction. Standard intervention periods are typically 12 weeks. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Fish oil, vitamin E, turmeric, milk thistle, alpha-lipoic acid

Safety & Interactions

Camelina oil is generally well tolerated at dietary doses up to 30g/day, with no serious adverse events reported in published clinical trials; mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as loose stools has been noted occasionally. Due to its high ALA content and potential antiplatelet effects from downstream EPA conversion, caution is warranted when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin or clopidogrel, as additive bleeding risk is theoretically possible. Individuals with known allergies to Brassicaceae family plants (mustard, broccoli) should use caution given camelina's taxonomic relationship to this family. Safety data during pregnancy and lactation are insufficient to make firm recommendations, and consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before use in these populations.