Last verified: 3 days ago
Ahiflower Oil
Also known as: Buglossoides arvensis oil, Buglossoides arvensis seed oil, SDA oil, stearidonic acid oil
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Plant-based omega-3 oil that raises EPA levels in blood more effectively than flaxseed oil.
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What it does
Ahiflower oil is a seed oil pressed from Buglossoides arvensis, a flowering plant. It is the richest known non-GMO plant source of stearidonic acid (SDA), an omega-3 fatty acid that the body...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
9g daily based on clinical trial data
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Found in
What the Science Says
Ahiflower oil is a seed oil pressed from Buglossoides arvensis, a flowering plant. It is the richest known non-GMO plant source of stearidonic acid (SDA), an omega-3 fatty acid that the body converts into EPA more efficiently than the ALA found in flaxseed oil. In a 28-day clinical trial, daily supplementation with about 9 grams raised EPA levels in blood and immune cells significantly more than flaxseed oil, and was well tolerated with no safety concerns.
What It Doesn't Do
Does not reliably raise DHA levels — the omega-3 most linked to brain health. Not a proven replacement for fish oil or algae oil if DHA is your goal. No evidence it directly reduces cardiovascular disease risk in humans. No proven anti-cancer effects in humans — lab studies on cancer cells don't translate to real-world outcomes. The honey bee study has zero relevance to human health.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Raises EPA levels in blood and immune cells more effectively than flaxseed oil after 28 days.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 9g daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Safe for daily use in healthy adults with no significant changes in liver, kidney, or blood markers.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 9g daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May support anti-inflammatory immune signaling by increasing EPA in immune cells.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 9g daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — SDA in Ahiflower oil converts to EPA more efficiently than ALA from flaxseed, but conversion to DHA remains limited and tissue-specific. Human data shows meaningful EPA accrual in plasma and immune cells within 14–28 days.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Refining process can produce trans fatty acids of stearidonic acid — look for cold-pressed or minimally refined products
- Does not significantly raise DHA levels in most tissues, so it cannot fully replace fish or algae oil for brain or heart DHA needs
- Only 2 human clinical trials in the indexed literature — long-term safety and efficacy data are very limited
- Over 1,000 supplement products registered in NIH DSLD, but clinical evidence base is thin — marketing often outpaces the science
Products Containing Ahiflower Oil
See how Ahiflower Oil is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ahiflower Oil do?
Plant-based omega-3 oil that raises EPA levels in blood more effectively than flaxseed oil.
What is the effective dose of Ahiflower Oil?
9g daily based on clinical trial data
Is Ahiflower Oil safe?
Refining process can produce trans fatty acids of stearidonic acid — look for cold-pressed or minimally refined products
What doesn't Ahiflower Oil do?
Does not reliably raise DHA levels — the omega-3 most linked to brain health.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-11-06