What are the side effects of omega-7? A look at the risks

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

While often praised for its anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits, some studies suggest that high doses of omega-7 supplements can lead to gastrointestinal issues. When adding this fatty acid to your nutrition diet, it's critical to understand what are the side effects of omega-7? to ensure safe and responsible use.

Quick Summary

This article provides an in-depth review of omega-7 fatty acids, detailing the potential side effects, including digestive problems and interactions with medications. It explores the difference between purified and unpurified sources.

Key Points

Gastrointestinal Issues: High doses of omega-7 supplements can cause digestive problems like nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea.
Drug Interactions: Sea buckthorn-derived omega-7 may interact with blood-thinning medications, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Blood Sugar Caution: Individuals with diabetes should monitor blood sugar levels closely, as omega-7 from sea buckthorn can affect glucose control.
Purified vs. Unpurified: Unpurified sources like sea buckthorn and macadamia nuts contain palmitic acid, a saturated fat linked to increased LDL cholesterol.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lack of safety data means omega-7 supplements should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
Dosage Matters: While acute toxicity is rare, chronic high-dose use (over 2g/day) of supplements may pose risks.
Consult a Doctor: Always consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have health conditions or take other medications, before starting omega-7.

Understanding Omega-7 and Its Popular Sources

Omega-7 fatty acids, primarily palmitoleic acid, have gained attention for their potential health benefits, particularly in supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health. They are found naturally in foods like macadamia nuts and sea buckthorn berries, with supplements often derived from these sources. However, like any supplement, omega-7 is not without its potential drawbacks, and understanding these is crucial for anyone considering its use. While often well-tolerated in moderate doses, side effects are more commonly associated with supplements rather than dietary intake from whole foods.

Common Side Effects of Omega-7

Many of the adverse effects reported with omega-7 are mild and primarily affect the gastrointestinal system, similar to other fatty acid supplements.

Gastrointestinal Issues: The most frequently reported side effects include stomach upset, nausea, burping, diarrhea, and constipation. These are often linked to larger doses and can sometimes be mitigated by taking the supplement with food.
Unpleasant Taste or Odor: Some users, particularly with fish oil-derived omega-7, report a lingering 'fishy' aftertaste or burps.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, allergic responses are possible, especially for individuals sensitive to the source material, such as sea buckthorn. Symptoms can include rash, itching, and swelling.
Oxidation Concerns: Omega-7 fatty acids can be prone to oxidation, which could potentially lead to the formation of pro-oxidants with negative effects if the supplement is not stored properly or has a poor shelf life.

Potential Risks and Interactions for Specific Groups

Certain individuals should be more cautious when considering omega-7 supplementation due to potential interactions or underlying health conditions.

Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control

While some studies suggest potential benefits for insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, omega-7 can also influence blood sugar levels. People with diabetes, especially those on medication, should monitor their blood sugar closely as sea buckthorn-derived omega-7 has been shown to potentially cause low blood sugar. The overall evidence for its effect on diabetes management is preliminary, and medical supervision is recommended.

Bleeding Risk and Drug Interactions

Sea buckthorn, a common source of omega-7, is known to have blood-thinning properties. This can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, especially when combined with other blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin. It is crucial to consult a doctor before taking omega-7 if you are on anticoagulant medication or have a bleeding disorder. Surgical patients should also discontinue use at least two weeks prior to a procedure.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Insufficient data exists to confirm the safety of omega-7 supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Due to the unknown risks, health professionals advise caution and recommend avoiding use during these periods.

The Purity Puzzle: Purified vs. Unpurified Omega-7

The source and purity of an omega-7 supplement can significantly influence its potential side effects. Many supplements and natural food sources contain more than just the beneficial palmitoleic acid.

Comparison of Omega-7 Sources


Feature	Purified Palmitoleic Acid Supplement	Sea Buckthorn Oil	Macadamia Nuts
Primary Omega-7	Palmitoleic Acid (cis-16:1n7)	Palmitoleic Acid	Palmitoleic Acid
Other Fatty Acids	Minimal	Palmitic Acid (Saturated Fat), Linoleic Acid (Omega-6), Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3)	Palmitic Acid (Saturated Fat), Oleic Acid (Omega-9)
Potential Risks	Lower risk of palmitic acid effects; possibility of dose-dependent side effects.	Potential risk from high palmitic acid content; may have blood-thinning effects.	Contain palmitic acid; less concentrated source; generally safe as part of a balanced diet.
Associated Side Effects	Mainly gastrointestinal issues at high doses.	Digestive issues, interaction with blood thinners, blood pressure changes.	Very rare; typically linked to high consumption of saturated fats in general.
Source Focus	Designed to isolate and concentrate the beneficial omega-7.	Whole-plant extract, contains a broader range of fatty acids and nutrients.	Whole-food source; benefits are balanced by other nutritional components.

The Palmitic Acid Problem

Unpurified omega-7 sources like sea buckthorn oil and macadamia nuts contain palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid. High dietary intake of palmitic acid has been linked to potential negative effects, including increased LDL ('bad') cholesterol. This is a key reason many brands offer 'purified' omega-7 supplements that remove or reduce the palmitic acid content, aiming to isolate the benefits of palmitoleic acid while minimizing potential risks.

Dosage, Long-Term Use, and Conclusion

Acute toxicity from omega-7 is extremely rare, but chronic toxicity is possible at very high daily doses, potentially exceeding 2 grams. The long-term safety data for high-dose omega-7 supplementation is limited, making it important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare provider for extended use. While omega-7 shows promise for metabolic and cardiovascular health, a cautious and informed approach is best. The source (purified vs. unpurified) and individual health factors are crucial considerations.

Disclaimer: Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are on medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Supplements offer a more concentrated dose, but unpurified versions can contain palmitic acid, which some studies link to potential cardiovascular risks. Getting omega-7 from whole foods like macadamia nuts provides a broader range of nutrients, though they also contain palmitic acid. The best approach depends on individual health goals and medical advice.

Yes, especially from sea buckthorn-based sources, omega-7 can influence blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should exercise caution and consult their doctor before using omega-7 supplements, as it could affect medication effectiveness.

Yes. Sea buckthorn oil, a common source for omega-7, has blood-thinning effects and can interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. It may also interfere with certain medications for heart conditions or blood pressure.

Yes, gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, and constipation are among the most commonly reported side effects, especially at higher dosages. Taking the supplement with meals may help reduce these effects.

Purified omega-7 supplements are processed to isolate palmitoleic acid and minimize or remove palmitic acid. Unpurified sources, like whole sea buckthorn oil or macadamia nuts, contain both palmitoleic and potentially problematic palmitic acid.

Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people on blood-thinning medications, and those with diabetes should avoid or use omega-7 with extreme caution under a doctor's supervision. It should also be avoided prior to surgery.

Yes, while acute toxicity is rare, chronic toxicity is possible at very high doses (above 2g per day). It is important to adhere to the recommended dosage to avoid potential adverse effects.

Yes, although uncommon, allergic reactions are possible, particularly for those with a known allergy to the source plant, such as sea buckthorn. Symptoms can include a rash or other allergic responses.