Search: 17 results found for "Omega 3"

€29,90

€293,14 kg

Omega 3 from algae oil with 250 mg DHA per capsule

Omega-3 fatty acids usually come from fish. However, fish do not produce them themselves; they absorb them through microalgae. That is why Vitalplant’s Omega 3 Vegan capsules start right at the source.

Algae oil instead of fish oil

Schizochytrium microalgae. These marine microorganisms are cultivated in closed facilities, not harvested from the sea. This means the oil does not rely on catch quotas and is free from the fishy taste that many fish oil capsules fail on.

250 mg DHA and 125 mg EPA per capsule. DHA and EPA are the two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that matter. Plant-based sources such as linseed or rapeseed oil, by contrast, provide ALA, which the body would first have to convert, and that only happens to a limited extent.

Vitamin D3 as an addition. One capsule contains 2.5 micrograms, which corresponds to 100 International Units and 50 percent of the nutrient reference value. The oil is also protected against oxidation with rosemary extract and tocopherols.

What DHA, EPA and vitamin D do

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and to the maintenance of normal vision. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg DHA, which corresponds to one capsule.

EPA and DHA together contribute to normal heart function. This effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA.

Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system, to the maintenance of normal bones, and to normal muscle function. All claims mentioned are listed in the EU Register of approved health claims.

Omega 3 Vegan capsules: composition and quality

The capsule shell is a vegan alternative to the classic gelatin capsule and consists of modified starch, vegetable glycerin, and carrageenan. The product is vegan and gluten-free, filled into light-protective amber glass. Each batch is tested for heavy metals by an independent laboratory.

Behind Vitalplant is Christian Lazar, a licensed pharmacist with over 35 years of professional experience at the Stern Apotheke.

Vitalpaket Heart Vital with Heart Complex Capsules, Omega 3 Vegan Capsules, and Vein Complex Capsules

Zero additives: GMO-free, gluten-free, sugar-free

Unfolded label for Heart Complex capsules showing nutritional information and ingredients

Heart Vital

~~€92,70~~ €83,90

Brain Vitality Bundle with Brain Complex Capsules, Vegan Omega-3 Capsules, and Creatine Powder

Unfolded label for Brain Complex capsules, with nutritional information and ingredients

Brain Vital

~~€85,70~~ €76,90

Vitalplant men's capsules in a glass bottle, 120 capsules with citrulline, arginine, pine bark, selenium, and zinc.

Men's Capsules

€26,90

€201,50 kg

Premium Shilajit Capsules by Vitalplant for Body & Mind with high-quality Shilajit Extract

Shilajit Capsules

€34,90

€640,37 kg

Shilajit capsules with PrimaVie from the Himalayas

Shilajit is neither a plant extract nor a mineral in the classic sense, but something in between. The Shilajit capsules from Vitalplant contain PrimaVie, a standardized, trademarked raw ingredient.

What Shilajit actually is

Shilajit is a resin-like mass that emerges from rock fissures in the high altitudes of the Himalayas. It formed over very long periods from plant material that was transformed under pressure and through alternating frost and heat. That is why Shilajit is found only at certain elevations and only in small quantities.

What is characteristic is its content of fulvic and humic acids. These are organic acids that also occur in humus-rich soils. They give the raw material its dark color and earthy character.

Why a trademarked raw ingredient. Depending on where it is found, raw Shilajit varies considerably in composition and may contain impurities from the rock. PrimaVie is a purified extract calibrated for consistent values. For a natural substance of this kind, that is the decisive quality difference.

Origin and history of use

In India, Nepal, and Tibet, Shilajit has been known for a very long time and has many names there. The most common one, Shilajit, comes from Sanskrit and is usually translated as conqueror of mountains or rock sweat.

It is still collected by hand today, mostly in the summer months, when the heat causes the mass to seep out of the rock. That explains why Shilajit has never become a mass-market raw material.

Shilajit capsules: composition and quality

The formula consists of two components: the PrimaVie Shilajit extract and the capsule shell made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. No fillers, no release agents, no colorants. The product is vegan and gluten-free. Especially with a raw material from rock, testing is crucial, which is why every batch is checked for heavy metals by an independent laboratory.

Behind Vitalplant is Christian Lazar, a licensed pharmacist with over 35 years of professional experience at the Stern Pharmacy.

Vitalplant Vitamin D3+ capsules in a glass container with magnesium and vitamin K2

Vitamin D3+ Capsules

€19,90

€320,45 kg

Joint Complex by vitalplant with 90 joint-active micronutrients in a brown glass container.

Simple daily routine for Joint Complex: 2 capsules a day for 45 days.

Joint Complex Capsules

€35,90

€451,01 kg

26 ingredients with vitamin C, manganese, and copper

The Joint Complex from Vitalplant is the most comprehensive formula in our range: 26 ingredients in two daily capsules, from glucosamine and hyaluronic acid to twelve vitamins and eight minerals.

What’s inside the daily dose

700 mg glucosamine and 460 mg vegan chondroitin alternative. The glucosamine is available as hydrochloride in vegan quality, and the chondroitin alternative is derived from algae extract. Classic chondroitin comes from animal cartilage.

50 mg hyaluronic acid and 50 mg MSM. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that occurs naturally in connective tissue. MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane, an organic sulfur compound.

Twelve vitamins and eight minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K2, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, and iodine. Plus 10 mg quercetin, 10 mg resveratrol, and 2 mg boron.

What the nutrients do

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal cartilage function and for normal bones. Collagen is the structural protein that cartilage and connective tissue are largely made of.

Manganese contributes to normal connective tissue formation, copper to the maintenance of normal connective tissue. Vitamin K and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal bones.

All claims listed above are included in the EU Register of authorized health claims. For glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and MSM, there are no authorized claims. For these, we state the amount and source.

Joint Complex capsules: composition and quality

Packing 26 ingredients into two capsules is a matter of formula density. The capsule shell is made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Glucosamine, chondroitin alternative, and MSM are vegan, making the product completely plant-based. Bottled in amber glass, each batch is tested for heavy metals by an independent laboratory.

Behind Vitalplant is Christian Lazar, a licensed pharmacist with over 35 years of professional experience at Stern Apotheke.

Magnesium Complex – 3-in-1 bioavailable magnesium in a bottle by Vitalplant.

Magnesium Complex Capsules

€25,90

€224,05 kg

Three magnesium compounds with 100 percent of the nutrient reference value

With magnesium, it is not just the amount that matters, but the compound it comes in. That is why Vitalplant’s Magnesium Complex does not rely on a single form, but combines three organically bound magnesium compounds in one capsule.

Why three magnesium compounds

Organically bound means: the magnesium is linked to a carbon-containing partner, a fruit acid, or an amino acid. Inorganic compounds such as magnesium oxide contain more magnesium per gram, but are considered less well tolerated. Our formula completely leaves them out.

Magnesium citrate. The magnesium salt of citric acid is the most commonly used organic form of magnesium and has been studied accordingly well. In our formula, it is present as tri-magnesium dicitrate.

Magnesium bisglycinate. Here, one magnesium atom is bound to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This structure is called a chelate. Bisglycinate is considered especially gentle on the stomach.

Magnesium malate. The magnesium salt of malic acid. Malic acid occurs naturally in apples and other fruits.

Anyone who would otherwise have to choose one form gets all three here. That is the difference from our single-ingredient products Magnesium Citrate and Magnesium Glycinate, each of which relies on one compound. The complex also provides the highest amount of magnesium of the three products.

What magnesium does in the body

Magnesium is one of the minerals with the most authorized health claims in the EU register. Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and to normal psychological function. Magnesium also contributes to normal energy metabolism, electrolyte balance, normal protein synthesis, and the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.

The body cannot produce magnesium itself or store it to any significant extent. Intake is therefore a daily task.

Magnesium Complex capsules: composition and quality

The full formula consists of four components: the three magnesium compounds and the capsule shell made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. No fillers, no anti-caking agents, no colorants, no sugar. The product is vegan and gluten-free, filled in amber glass. Every batch is tested for heavy metals by an independent laboratory.

Behind Vitalplant stands Christian Lazar, licensed pharmacist with over 35 years of professional experience at Stern Pharmacy.

Haut Haare Nails capsules from vitalplant for radiant skin and healthy hair.

Skin Hair Nails Capsules

€25,90

€796,92 kg

Bio Ashwagandha capsules by Vitalplant with organic Ashwagandha root extract in a bottle

Organic Ashwagandha Capsules

€34,90

€480,72 kg

Organic Ashwagandha Capsules with KSM-66 from the Pure Root

Ashwagandha has only been a familiar name in Europe for a few years, whereas in India the plant has been cultivated for centuries. Vitalplant’s Organic Ashwagandha Capsules use KSM-66, a trademarked extract made from the pure root.

Why only the root

Ashwagandha, botanically Withania somnifera, belongs to the nightshade family. The plant grows up to one and a half meters tall and bears small orange-red berries, which have earned it the nickname winter cherry. Depending on the manufacturer, extracts may use roots, leaves, or both.

KSM-66 uses only the root. Leaves and berries are left out. This is more labor-intensive because the yield per plant is lower, but it corresponds to the plant part that has been passed down in Indian herbal tradition.

From controlled organic cultivation. The raw material comes from non-EU agriculture and is certified under the EU Organic Regulation, inspection body number DE-ÖKO-039. This means verified growing conditions without synthetic pesticides and without genetic engineering.

Withania somnifera: origin and name

Ashwagandha thrives in dry, warm regions and is cultivated mainly in India. The root is harvested after about six months, then washed, cut, and dried.

The name comes from Sanskrit and is made up of ashva for horse and gandha for smell. It refers to the strong, earthy smell of the fresh root, which really does resemble a stable. This scent is no longer noticeable in the extract.

Organic Ashwagandha Capsules: composition and quality

The formula consists of two ingredients: organic ashwagandha root extract and the capsule shell made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. No fillers, no anti-caking agents, no colorants. The product is vegan and gluten-free. It is filled into light-protective amber glass. Each batch is tested for heavy metals by an independent laboratory.

Vitalplant is backed by Christian Lazar, a licensed pharmacist with over 35 years of professional experience at the Stern Apotheke.

horsetail capsules

€26,90

€367,49 kg

Vitalplant Vegan Iron Capsules in a glass container with curry leaf extract for vegan iron supplementation.

Iron Vegan Capsules

€25,90

€564,27 kg

Cultures Complex – Vitalplant capsules with 15 bacterial strains for gut health

Cultures Complex capsules with a mix of bacterial cultures, FOS, inulin, vitamin B2 and biotin for optimal health.

Culture Complex capsule without additives, vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free for optimal health.

Culture Complex Capsules

€23,90

€565,01 kg

Black maca capsules from Vitalplant in a glass jar with 120 vegan capsules, 10:1 root extract.

Black Maca Capsules

€25,90

€399,69 kg

Women's Vital 50+ Wellness Bundle with Meno Vital Capsules, Collagen Powder, and Vitamin D3 + K2 Drops

Open label of Meno Vital capsules with nutritional information and ingredients

Women’s Vitality 50+

~~€75,70~~ €67,90

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Fifty-something woman and man walk laughing along a coastal path on a bright morning

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Effects, Daily Requirements — and Why the Source Matters

Anyone interested in omega-3 will come across fish oil within minutes. Salmon, mackerel, capsules with a fish symbol on the bottle — the answer seems so obvious that the question behind it is hardly ever asked.But it is worth asking. Fish don't make the fatty acids we eat them for themselves. They take them in. And they take them in along with everything else that drifts through the sea.This article explains which three fatty acids are covered by the umbrella term omega-3, how much the body needs each day, what actually happens to plant-based omega-3 in the body — and why, in the end, the question of the source is more interesting than the number of milligrams.First, the essentials in simple terms"Omega-3" is not a single substance, but a collective term for three fatty acids. They differ in where they come from and what the body does with them. That's all you need to know to start: Which one Found in What the body does with it The plant-based one Flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, rapeseed oil It's the raw material. The body can use it to make the other two — but not very efficiently. The one for heart and circulation Microalgae. It also ends up in fish through the food chain. The body uses it to make a range of its own messenger substances. The one for the brain and eyes Microalgae. It also ends up in fish through the food chain. It's a building block and is firmly embedded in the cell walls of the brain and retina. That leads to the two points this article is about: The two important ones originally come from algae, not fish. And: The body can barely make them from the plant-based form. Let's take a closer look at both.The three abbreviations you'll see on every packageThe nutrition label lists abbreviations, not descriptions. There are exactly three, and they correspond to the three rows above: Abbreviation Stands for This is ALA Alpha-linolenic acid the plant-based one EPA Eicosapentaenoic acid the one for heart and circulation DHA Docosahexaenoic acid the one for the brain and eyes From here on, the article uses the abbreviations — just like the bottle on the shelf. Once you know what they mean, you can read any nutrition label without help.What the body really does with plant-based omega-3The conversion of ALA to EPA and then to DHA happens through a chain of enzyme steps. The first and slowest step is carried out by delta-6 desaturase — the same enzyme that also processes omega-6 fatty acids. So the two fatty acid families compete for the same bottleneck, and in a typical Western diet, omega-6 far outweighs omega-3. The final step to DHA also takes a detour through another part of the cell — making it considerably less efficient still.In numbers, it looks like this: Conversion Approximate rate ALA → EPA about 5 to 8 percent, tending to be higher in women of childbearing age ALA → DHA usually under 1 percent, barely measurable in some studies So the bottleneck isn't EPA, but DHA. What this means in everyday life becomes clear when you translate the numbers into tablespoons.What that means in tablespoonsThe figures for EPA still seem manageable: to get around 250 milligrams of EPA through conversion, you need roughly three to five grams of ALA a day. That's about a teaspoon of flaxseed oil — realistic if you remember to take it.For DHA, the math doesn't work. With a conversion rate of around half a percent, you'd need about 50 grams of ALA to get 250 milligrams of DHA — every day. Flaxseed oil contains about 53 percent ALA, which works out to around 95 grams of oil, or about seven tablespoons. Every day. That would also add about 850 kilocalories from the oil alone.This isn't a dietary recommendation, but a comparison of proportions. It explains why flaxseed oil, chia, and walnuts are excellent foods — and why they still don't meet your DHA needs. If you want DHA, you need to take it in, not rely on your body to make it.Flaxseeds, chia, and walnuts provide plenty of plant-based omega-3 — but the body still barely manages to convert it into the marine form.Where fish get their omega-3This is where things get interesting. Because the same is true of fish. Salmon, herring, and mackerel don't make significant amounts of EPA and DHA themselves either. They get them from their food.At the start of this chain are microalgae. They are the actual producers of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in the sea. Tiny plankton eat the algae, small fish eat the plankton, and bigger fish eat the small fish. With each step, DHA moves further up the chain — and eventually ends up on your plate.Fish oil is therefore not the source of omega-3. It's an intermediate step. The fatty acid in salmon is the same fatty acid an alga produced weeks earlier.What else comes along on the journey through the food chainA food chain transports more than nutrients. Fat-soluble contaminants build up along the same route, increasing at every step — a process known as biomagnification. Three groups are particularly relevant: Methylmercury enters seawater through industrial activity and natural processes and binds to muscle tissue. Large, long-lived predatory fish at the top of the chain carry the highest levels. Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs are fat-soluble and therefore accumulate in fatty tissue — exactly where the oil is found. Microplastics and the additives bound to them are the most recent addition to this list and have not yet been fully assessed. Good fish oil is purified, usually by molecular distillation, and reputable manufacturers have it tested to ensure it meets the limits. The point isn't that fish oil is dangerous. The point is that it needs to be purified in the first place — because the oil comes from the middle of a food chain rather than its beginning.Algal oil: the direct routeAlgal oil skips the chain. It's obtained from microalgae, usually from the genus Schizochytrium, which are cultivated in closed tanks on a nutrient medium — much like yeast or yogurt cultures. The algae grow under controlled conditions and never come into contact with the open sea.This has three straightforward benefits: No buildup of contaminants from the marine food chain. What has never been in the sea can't absorb anything from it. No fishing. Most of the world's fish oil comes from wild-caught small schooling fish such as anchoveta, sardines, and anchovies — species that play an important role as forage fish in the ecosystem. No fishy taste. The characteristic taste and fishy burps after taking fish oil capsules are mainly caused by oxidation products. Algal oil is made to be odorless. The remaining question is whether the body handles one oil differently from the other. It doesn't: DHA molecules are identical, whether they come from a cultivated alga or from one that has passed through a fish. Studies of absorption likewise show that DHA from algal oil reaches the blood just as well as DHA from fish oil.Algal oil and fish oil compared directly Algal oil Fish oil Position in the chain The source — the algae produce EPA and DHA themselves Intermediate step — the fish take in both Source Cultivated in closed tanks Wild-caught, mainly small schooling fish Contaminants from the sea No contact with the marine food chain Purification required, usually by molecular distillation Fatty acid profile Usually higher in DHA Usually higher in EPA Taste Neutral Fishy once oxidation begins For vegans Suitable Not suitable Fish allergy Contains no fish protein Unsuitable for those affected For the sake of fairness, one point should be added: the two differ in their fatty acid profiles. Traditional fish oils usually provide more EPA than DHA, while many algal oils do the opposite. So if you're specifically looking for a high amount of EPA, check the label rather than the source — and if you want both, you can find algal oils that list both fatty acids.Microalgae are at the start of the chain. They produce the two important fatty acids themselves — fish only take them in.What EPA and DHA do in the bodyUnlike most plant compounds, omega-3 has reliable, verified health claims. They're tied to a daily amount, and that amount is the key measure when comparing products: Fatty acid Claim Minimum daily amount EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function 250 mg EPA and DHA DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function 250 mg DHA DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision 250 mg DHA EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels 2 g EPA and DHA EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure 3 g EPA and DHA ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels 2 g ALA There is an additional claim for pregnant and breastfeeding women: the mother's intake of DHA contributes to the normal development of the brain and eyes in the fetus and breastfed infant. The amount is an additional 200 milligrams of DHA on top of the general recommendation.The table shows two things. First, the threshold for most claims is 250 milligrams a day — that's the number that matters. Second, the table refers to EPA and DHA, not fish oil or algal oil. The claim applies to the fatty acid, not its source.How much a day — and how to tell if you're deficientAs a general guide for adults, aim for a combined 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA every day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should get an additional 200 milligrams of DHA. These amounts can be obtained through food: two servings of fish a week, one of them oily, will cover them on average.The word "average" carries a lot of weight here. If you don't eat fish — because of the taste, your beliefs, or an allergy — you will practically never get this amount from food, because plant foods provide ALA and, as the calculation above shows, conversion to DHA isn't enough.There's no simple self-test for deficiency. Symptoms such as dry skin, dry eyes, or difficulty concentrating are often linked to it, but they can have many causes and aren't proof. If you want to know for sure, you can have your Omega-3 Index measured — it measures the proportion of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes, giving a long-term reading over about three months. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice first, not a capsule.Foods that contain omega-3 Food Fatty acid Approximate amount per 100 g Salmon, herring, mackerel EPA and DHA about 1.5 to 3 g Sardines, anchovies EPA and DHA about 1.5 to 2 g Flaxseed oil ALA about 53 g Ground flaxseeds ALA about 20 g Chia seeds ALA about 18 g Walnuts ALA about 9 g Rapeseed oil ALA about 9 g Two practical tips: flaxseeds need to be ground, otherwise they pass through the gut largely unchanged. And flaxseed oil should be used cold and stored in the fridge — it oxidizes quickly, and oxidized oil not only tastes rancid, it also loses its purpose.How to recognize a good supplementThe options are overwhelming, but the criteria for choosing one are straightforward:1. EPA and DHA, not the amount of oilMany packages prominently display the amount of oil — for example, "1000 mg." That's the capsule's fill weight, not its omega-3 content. What matters is how much EPA and DHA it actually contains. This figure is on the nutrition label, and it's the only one you can compare with the 250 milligram target.2. Protection against oxidationLong-chain fatty acids are sensitive. A good supplement contains antioxidants such as rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols, or ascorbyl palmitate, and comes in light-protective glass rather than clear plastic. The TOTOX value is an established measure of freshness; a value of up to 26 is generally considered acceptable in the industry.3. Traceable sourceFor algal oil, this means specifying which algae and whether they were cultivated or harvested. For fish oil, it means specifying the species, fishing area, and purification method. If neither is stated, there's usually a reason.4. What else is in the capsuleSome supplements combine omega-3 with vitamin D — a sensible combination, since both are fat-soluble and can be taken together with a meal. Vitamin D contributes, among other things, to normal immune system function and the maintenance of normal bones.Take it with a meal containing some fat — and take it regularly. Levels in the cells build up over weeks, not days.How and when to take itOmega-3 is fat-soluble, so take it with a meal that contains some fat. There's no evidence that taking it in the morning or evening makes a difference — what matters is taking it regularly, because levels in the cell membranes build up over several weeks. If you're expecting a change, think in months, not days.Follow the serving size stated on the package. If you take blood-thinning medication or are due to have surgery, discuss taking higher amounts with your doctor beforehand: EPA and DHA can affect blood clotting. The same applies if you have an existing medical condition or are pregnant — omega-3 itself isn't the problem, but it's important to coordinate its use with your doctor.How well omega-3 is toleratedOmega-3 is well tolerated at typical amounts. Possible side effects include: Burping and aftertaste — common with fish oil and usually a sign that oxidation is beginning. Algal oil doesn't have the fishy taste. Digestive issues such as loose stools or a feeling of fullness, especially when taking larger amounts on an empty stomach. Longer bleeding time at high amounts — the reason to check with your doctor before surgery. The European Food Safety Authority has assessed an additional daily intake of up to 5 grams of EPA and DHA as safe. Typical supplements contain far less.In brief Omega-3 includes three fatty acids: ALA from plants, and EPA and DHA, which originally come from microalgae. The body can convert ALA, but not very well: about 5 to 8 percent becomes EPA, and less than 1 percent becomes DHA. Flaxseed oil alone cannot meet your DHA needs. Fish don't make EPA and DHA themselves — they take both in through microalgae. Fish oil is therefore in the middle of the food chain, while algal oil is at the beginning. Methylmercury, dioxins, and PCBs build up along the same route. That's why fish oil needs to be purified; cultivated microalgae have no contact with the open sea. The fatty acids themselves are identical. DHA from algal oil reaches the body just as well as DHA from fish oil. 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA a day is the benchmark for comparing supplements — not the amount of oil in the capsule.

on Aug 21 2026

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Black cumin seeds beside a bottle of its oil

Black seed oil: effects, use and dosage – oil or capsules?

Black seed oil is pressed from the small black seeds of Nigella sativa. In the East, it is known by names such as "seed of blessing" or "gold of the pharaohs"—seeds of the plant were even found in Tutankhamun's tomb. Today, this spicy oil can be found in bottles or capsules in many kitchen and bathroom cabinets. In this guide, you'll learn where black seed comes from, what's in the oil, what research has investigated about its effects, how to take and dose black seed oil correctly—and whether oil or capsules are a better fit for you. What is black seed oil? Black seed (Nigella sativa) is an annual plant with delicate, pale blue to white flowers. After flowering, it produces an inflated capsule containing small, angular black seeds about two to three millimeters in size. Today, black seed is grown mainly in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, and Turkey, as well as in Europe. The name is misleading: black seed is not related to caraway or cumin. It belongs to the buttercup family, the same family as larkspur and Christmas rose. Many people know one close relative from their gardens: love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena). 💡 Good to know: You can recognize black seed by its flavor right away: spicy, slightly bitter, with a subtle note reminiscent of oregano and black pepper. Its flavor has about as little in common with caraway as its botany does. Fixed oil or essential oil? Two very different products are sold under the name black seed oil. The fixed oil is pressed from the seeds and intended for consumption—this is the oil covered in this guide. The essential oil is obtained through steam distillation, is highly concentrated, and is not intended for consumption. When buying, look for the terms "cold-pressed" or "virgin." History: Black seed in Egypt, the East, and Ayurveda Black seed is one of the oldest cultivated plants. Alongside finds in Tutankhamun's tomb, ancient physicians such as Dioscorides and, later, the Persian scholar Avicenna described it in his "Canon of Medicine." In the Arab world, the seed is called Habbat al-Baraka, or "seed of blessing," and it also has a place in Unani medicine and Ayurveda. Black seed remains a popular spice in cooking, for example on Indian naan, Turkish flatbread, or in Middle Eastern spice blends. This long tradition is culturally fascinating—but it is not scientific evidence of an effect. 💡 Good to know: The black seeds found in Tutankhamun's tomb are over 3,000 years old, making black seed one of humanity's oldest documented spices. Ingredients: Fatty acids and thymoquinone Black seed oil consists mainly of unsaturated fatty acids. About half of it is linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own. It also contains oleic acid (omega-9) and a smaller proportion of saturated fatty acids. A characteristic component of black seed is thymoquinone, the main constituent of its essential oil fraction. It contributes to the sharp, spicy flavor. In cold-pressed oil, the content is usually well below one percent and varies depending on the variety, growing region, harvest, pressing, and storage. The oil also contains phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol, saponins, and trace amounts of minerals. Does black seed oil contain omega-3? Hardly any. The proportion of omega-3 fatty acids is usually below one percent. Black seed oil is primarily an omega-6 oil. If you specifically want to increase your omega-3 intake, flaxseed oil or algae oil is a better choice—find out more in our omega-3 guide. Black seed oil benefits: what research investigates There are numerous scientific studies on black seed and thymoquinone. Many are based on laboratory research and animal testing. Human studies are usually small, run for a few weeks, and use very different amounts and preparations—sometimes oil, sometimes seeds, sometimes extract. Health information portals such as Barmer's therefore consider the effects in humans to be largely unproven. You'll find the individual reviews in the sources below. Taking and dosing black seed oil There is no official dosage recommendation for black seed oil. Follow the recommended intake on the package for capsules, and start with a small amount if using the oil. How much black seed oil per day? Studies have generally used 0.5 to 3 grams of black seed oil per day. For reference, half a teaspoon is about 2 grams, and a full teaspoon is about 4 to 5 grams. Our capsules provide 2 capsules a day, or 1,000 mg of oil. More isn't better—especially with highly concentrated products enriched with thymoquinone; don't exceed the stated amount. Black seed oil in the morning or evening? The ideal time hasn't been studied. Many people take black seed oil in the morning, while others take it in the evening. It's more important to take it with a meal: taking it on an empty stomach may make burping or nausea more likely. How do you take black seed oil? Straight from a spoon: drink a glass of water afterward. Mixed in: stir into yogurt, quark, honey, or a smoothie to mellow its sharp flavor. In cooking: drizzle over salads or prepared dishes, but don't heat it. As a capsule: flavorless and taken with enough liquid alongside a meal. How long should you take black seed oil? Most studies ran for four to twelve weeks. There's little data on long-term use. Many people therefore use black seed oil as a time-limited routine for a few weeks, then take a break. Black seed oil or capsules: which is better? The oil itself is the same—the difference lies in flavor, dosage, and shelf life. Feature Bottled oil Capsules Flavor Sharp, spicy, slightly bitter Flavorless Dosage Measured by spoon, can vary slightly Precise, e.g. 500 mg per capsule Shelf life after opening About 3 months, kept cool and dark Longer, as the capsule protects the oil from air Use Also for cooking, skin, and hair For consumption, convenient on the go If you enjoy the flavor and want to use the oil in cooking or topically, choose the bottle. If you want something simple, flavorless, and precisely dosed, capsules are a better choice. How to recognize good black seed oil Cold-pressed and virgin: The seeds are mechanically pressed without preheating, and the oil is not refined. This preserves its flavor and accompanying compounds. Genuine black seed: The label should say Nigella sativa—and it should be fixed oil, not essential oil. Organic quality: An organic certification with a control body number shows where the raw material comes from. Dark glass: Oil is sensitive to light and oxygen. Brown glass or capsules help prevent it from going rancid. Laboratory testing: Reputable manufacturers have every batch tested for contaminants. Proper storage Store black seed oil in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed container, ideally in the refrigerator. Use an opened bottle within about three months. If the oil smells or tastes rancid, don't use it. It isn't suitable for frying—add it to food only after heating. 💡 Good to know: It's better to buy black seed oil in small bottles. Since an opened bottle stays fresh for only about three months, large bottles often leave you with rancid oil to throw away. Black seed oil side effects and safety Black seed oil is generally well tolerated in usual amounts. Burping, nausea, or gastrointestinal discomfort may occasionally occur, especially on an empty stomach or when taking too much. Usually, reducing the amount and taking the oil with a meal helps. Can black seed oil damage the liver? There is no reliable evidence of this at usual amounts. Caution is advised with highly concentrated products containing very high amounts of thymoquinone, which may pose a risk to the liver. So stick to the stated daily amount. If you have liver disease, consult a doctor before taking it. Allergies and skin reactions Allergic reactions, such as itching or a rash, can occur rarely—and in rare cases, reactions can be severe. Topical use may cause skin irritation and contact allergies. Test the oil on a small patch of skin before applying it. Stop using it immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children There isn't enough safety data for pregnant or breastfeeding people, so they should discuss taking it with a doctor or midwife first. Capsules and concentrated oil are not intended for children—here, too, consult a doctor first. Interactions with medications Black seed oil may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and diabetes medications. There is also no reliable data on interactions with birth control pills. If you take medication regularly or have surgery coming up, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. By the way: Black seed oil is toxic to cats, because they can't break down certain components. Keep it out of your pets' reach. Topical black seed oil: skin and hair Black seed oil isn't just taken orally; it's also used topically as a conditioning oil for dry patches of skin or as a hair treatment massaged into the scalp and ends and left on overnight. Because of its strong smell, many people mix it with a mild carrier oil such as almond or jojoba oil. As always, test it on a small patch of skin first. Vitalplant Organic Black Seed Oil Capsules Our Organic Black Seed Oil Capsules contain 500 mg of cold-pressed black seed oil from certified organic farming (DE-ÖKO-039) and 5 mg of natural vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol) per capsule. Two capsules a day provide 1,000 mg of oil, including about 500 mg of linoleic acid, and 10 mg of vitamin E. Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress. The capsule contains nothing but oil, vitamin E, and a vegan shell made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose—no fillers or colorants. The capsules are bottled in brown glass; 120 capsules provide a 60-day supply, and every batch is laboratory-tested for heavy metals. → Discover Organic Black Seed Oil Capsules Related topics Omega-3 fatty acids: benefits, daily requirements, and sources Golden milk and turmeric Healthy inside, healthy outside: skin, hair, and nails

on Oct 31 2025

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