Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Omega-7 fatty acids, particularly palmitoleic acid, have been studied for their potential benefits in supporting the health of mucus membranes, such as those lining the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts. The primary source of omega-7s in supplements is sea buckthorn oil, which has a long tradition of use in Eastern Europe and Asia for skin and mucous membrane health. However, the scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited and not robust.

A few small human studies and preclinical experiments have investigated the effects of sea buckthorn oil or isolated palmitoleic acid on mucous membrane conditions such as dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and vaginal dryness. For example, a 2010 randomized controlled trial published in Journal of Nutrition found that oral sea buckthorn oil supplementation improved symptoms of dry eye in postmenopausal women. Animal studies and in vitro experiments suggest that omega-7 may help support the integrity and function of epithelial tissues and reduce inflammation, which may benefit mucus membranes. However, the number of human studies is small, sample sizes are limited, and most research has focused on specific symptoms (e.g., dry eye) rather than general mucous membrane health.

Overall, while there is preliminary scientific support for omega-7 fatty acids benefiting mucus membrane health, particularly from sea buckthorn oil, the body of evidence is modest and more high-quality human trials are needed. Thus, the evidence rating is 2 out of 5.

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