Does Omega-7 Reduce Inflammation? A Scientific Review

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, supplementation with purified palmitoleic acid led to a significant 44% reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of inflammation. This raises a critical question: does omega-7 reduce inflammation in a meaningful way for overall health?

Quick Summary

Omega-7, primarily palmitoleic acid, shows anti-inflammatory potential by reducing inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and cytokines. Research suggests benefits for metabolic syndrome, but the overall evidence base is still emerging. Natural sources include sea buckthorn oil and macadamia nuts.

Key Points

Reduces Inflammatory Markers: Purified omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) has been shown to reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-α levels in clinical and animal studies.
Unique Mechanism: Unlike omega-3s, omega-7s act as lipokines, signaling molecules that block pro-inflammatory pathways like NF-κB and enhance metabolic function.
Beneficial for Metabolic Syndrome: Omega-7 shows particular promise for reducing inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity, along with improving insulin sensitivity.
Mixed Clinical Evidence: While some studies show significant benefits, others are inconsistent or use small sample sizes, meaning more large-scale trials are needed for robust conclusions.
Natural Dietary Sources: Rich sources include sea buckthorn oil and macadamia nuts, with smaller amounts found in certain fish and dairy products.
Generally Safe: Supplements are considered safe for most people at recommended doses, but potential side effects include mild GI issues, and those with certain health conditions should consult a doctor.
Not a First-Line Treatment: Due to emerging and sometimes conflicting evidence, omega-7 is a promising supplement rather than a clinically established therapy for inflammation.

The Science Behind Omega-7's Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Omega-7 fatty acids, with palmitoleic acid as the most studied component, have gained attention for their potential anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike omega-3s, which are polyunsaturated and primarily reduce inflammation by being incorporated into anti-inflammatory molecules, omega-7s act through different mechanisms.

Research indicates that palmitoleic acid functions as a signaling molecule, or 'lipokine,' that facilitates communication between fat and muscle tissues to regulate metabolic processes. This unique function appears to be linked to its anti-inflammatory effects. Several preclinical studies highlight how palmitoleic acid can curb the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB, by blocking specific inflammatory pathways. One study demonstrated that omega-7, particularly from sea buckthorn oil, can activate SIRT1, which in turn decreases NF-κB signaling and inflammatory cytokines. This suggests a cascade effect where omega-7 helps downregulate the body's inflammatory response at a cellular level.

What the Research Says: Clinical Evidence

While the mechanisms show promise, the strength of the clinical evidence regarding whether omega-7 reduces inflammation is still developing and somewhat mixed. Some human trials have produced notable positive results, while others have been less conclusive, often due to small sample sizes.

Positive Findings:

A study involving adults with high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels found that daily supplementation with 210 mg of purified palmitoleic acid for 30 days resulted in a significant 44% decrease in CRP compared to a placebo.
Additional research confirms reductions in CRP and TNF-α, particularly in the context of metabolic syndrome and obesity, indicating its potential for managing chronic, low-grade inflammation.
In a small study on patients with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), palmitoleic acid supplementation was associated with reduced markers of inflammation.

Inconsistent Findings:

One study on individuals with chronic musculoskeletal discomfort showed no significant difference in inflammatory markers between the placebo and omega-7 groups.
Another critical review notes that while preclinical studies are promising, the number of large-scale randomized controlled trials is limited, and the overall evidence is still emerging. This suggests that much of the widespread use is driven by early research and supplement marketing rather than robust clinical validation.

Omega-7 vs. Omega-3: A Comparison

While both are beneficial fatty acids, their primary anti-inflammatory mechanisms and sources differ. Understanding these differences is key to determining which supplement might best suit your needs.


Feature	Omega-7 (Palmitoleic Acid)	Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
Primary Mechanism	Acts as a signaling lipokine, blocking inflammatory pathways (NF-κB).	Acts by converting into anti-inflammatory molecules (resolvins, protectins).
Best Known For	Metabolic benefits, improved insulin sensitivity, skin health.	Heart and brain health, overall anti-inflammatory effects.
Key Food Sources	Sea buckthorn oil, macadamia nuts, certain fish.	Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseed oil.
Focus of Research	Cardiometabolic health, gut, and mucosal membranes.	Broad range of chronic inflammatory conditions, brain function.

How to Get Omega-7: Dietary and Supplemental Sources

To incorporate omega-7 into your diet, consider the following sources:

Sea Buckthorn Oil: Considered one of the richest natural sources, containing high concentrations of palmitoleic acid. It can be found in oil or capsule form.
Macadamia Nuts and Oil: These contain significant levels of palmitoleic acid and are a popular dietary source.
Fatty Fish: Some fatty fish, like salmon, contain a small amount of omega-7 in addition to their abundant omega-3 content.
Dairy Products: Certain dairy products contain the trans isomer of palmitoleic acid, which has been linked to lower inflammation in epidemiological studies.

For those seeking a more concentrated intake, supplements derived from sea buckthorn oil or purified palmitoleic acid are widely available. When choosing a supplement, consider the source and purity, and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Omega-7 supplements are generally considered safe, but potential side effects and considerations should be noted. As with any supplement, quality and dosage can affect outcomes. Some users report mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea or stomach upset, particularly at high doses. Those with diabetes should use caution, as omega-7 can influence blood sugar levels. Additionally, some supplement manufacturers may make exaggerated claims not fully supported by robust clinical data. The source of the omega-7 also matters, as different isomers (e.g., palmitoleic acid vs. vaccenic acid) may have different effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen.

Conclusion: Is Omega-7 a Valid Anti-Inflammatory?

The evidence suggests that omega-7, particularly purified palmitoleic acid, does possess anti-inflammatory effects, primarily by reducing key inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and inhibiting inflammatory pathways. This effect appears particularly beneficial in the context of chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome. However, the research, especially large-scale clinical trials in humans, is still in its early stages and sometimes shows inconsistent results. While it holds promise and can be safely incorporated into a healthy diet through sources like sea buckthorn oil and macadamia nuts, it is not yet considered a first-line therapy for inflammation. For many, omega-7 is a valuable supplement for metabolic and skin health that offers a complementary anti-inflammatory benefit, but more research is needed for definitive conclusions.

For more detailed clinical trial information on palmitoleic acid, you can visit the National Institutes of Health's PubMed database: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25499944/

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary omega-7 fatty acid linked to reduced inflammation is palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fat found in sources like sea buckthorn oil and macadamia nuts.

Omega-7 appears to be most effective at targeting the chronic, low-grade inflammation often associated with metabolic syndrome and conditions like obesity. Some studies also indicate benefits for inflammatory skin and mucosal issues.

At a cellular level, omega-7 blocks key inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB, and suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. It can also activate SIRT1, which is involved in anti-inflammatory processes.

The richest natural source is sea buckthorn oil. Other significant sources include macadamia nuts and oil, while smaller amounts can be found in fatty fish and dairy products.

While omega-7 is present in some foods, supplementation, particularly with sea buckthorn oil or purified palmitoleic acid, may be necessary to achieve the higher concentrations used in studies showing anti-inflammatory effects.

Omega-7 supplements are generally well-tolerated. Some users may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or stomach upset, particularly at high doses.

Most people can safely take omega-7 supplements. However, those with chronic health conditions, especially diabetes, or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

The primary difference lies in their mechanism of action. Omega-7 acts as a signaling lipokine, regulating metabolic function and suppressing inflammatory pathways. Omega-3s become incorporated into anti-inflammatory molecules to produce their effects.