NOW Black Currant Oil 500 mg Review
NOW Black Currant Oil 500 mg Softgels provides black currant seed oil in a 100 softgel bottle. The product is listed under the Essential Fatty Acids and Omega Fatty Acids categories. Each softgel contains 500 mg of Black Currant Oil (Ribes nigrum) from the seed, providing 70 mg of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), listed as 14% GLA, and 52 mg of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Each serving contains 5 calories and 0.5 g of total fat. The label lists the serving size as one softgel, with 100 servings per container. The suggested usage is to take 1 softgel three times daily with food. The product carries a caution for adults only, advising consultation with a physician if pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or having a medical condition, and to keep out of reach of children. Black currant oil is extracted from black currant seeds to produce a valuable nutritional oil. The omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid and the omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) are both described on the page as essential fatty acids. The page explains that although the body can manufacture GLA from other dietary omega-6 fatty acids, GLA can be more efficiently utilized for body functions when supplied directly through dietary sources. The oil is expeller-pressed and hexane-free, and the page lists it as Made without Corn, Dairy, Eggs, and Soy, as well as Gluten Free, Non-GMO, and Kosher. The softgel capsule is made with bovine gelatin, glycerin and water, and the Kosher seal is marked Triangle K, contains gelatin. The product is produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing allergens such as yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish or shellfish, although the product itself is not manufactured with these ingredients. The page includes Intertek GMP Supplement Certification. The product color is listed as amber, and the page notes that natural color variation may occur. The bottle should be stored in a cool, dry place after opening. The page states the company is family owned since 1968. The bottle is sold in a 100 softgel size at a listed price of $16.99, with free shipping on orders over $50 in the 48 States and D.C. The page also lists a related Black Currant Oil, Double Strength 1000 mg Softgels product, which is shown as out of stock, but that is a separate product and is not the 500 mg size on this page.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only1 human studies · 0 improved
Only one human study has tested black currant seed oil for joint health. In this 24-week trial, people with active rheumatoid arthritis took 15 capsules of black currant seed oil or a dummy pill every day. Neither side knew who got which. The number of people in the study was not reported [1]. People taking the oil had fewer signs and symptoms of their disease, while people on the dummy pill did not [1]. However, the overall clinical response was no better than with the dummy pill [1]. Many people dropped out because they had to swallow so many capsules each day [1]. The trial used 15 capsules daily, while this product's serving is one softgel, so a single daily softgel may be well below what was tested [1]. The product's record also lists the oil amount as hidden in a blend, even though the label shows 500 mg per softgel. With one mixed trial that later research has not confirmed, there is too little evidence to say whether black currant oil helps joints. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 1 studies →Hide the studies
- In a 24-week double-blind trial of people with active rheumatoid arthritis taking 15 capsules a day, blackcurrant seed oil reduced signs and symptoms of disease while placebo did not, but overall clinical response was no better than placebo and many people dropped out because of the large number of capsules.Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with blackcurrant seed oil.
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only4,289 reviews · 90% positive
Buyers are very positive about NOW Black Currant Oil 500 mg softgels, with about 1067 ratings across the stores and every starred review at 4 or 5. Most reviewers are glad to have it, though several say they can't yet tell what it does. This summary covers the softgels only; no other forms were included. **What buyers say it did for them:** Skin is the most common benefit. One buyer says "the GLA in blackcurrant oil helps with my skin" and reports less acne than before. Another found it "helpful to my skin issues." One reviewer says it "definitely does its job" for dry eyes, so they no longer need drops. Others mention hair ("Great accompaniment to biotin for enhancing healthy hair"), joint inflammation, PMS and menopause symptoms, and a possible endurance boost for a cross-country athlete. One buyer noticed fewer nighttime bathroom trips and softer dry moles within days. The FruitfulYield page has a buyer who reports a very good cholesterol result while following a good diet, and another who says it gives good benefits. **What they complain about:** There are no real complaints. The closest are from buyers who can't tell if it works: "I don't really notice an improvement or change," after a month, and another who hopes it will help inflammation but finds it "hard to tell." One buyer who had "horrible adverse effects" from a different brand of black currant oil did not have that problem with NOW. The FruitfulYield reviews mention no side effects. **Taste, smell, pill size or form:** The reviews do not comment on taste, smell or softgel size. The FruitfulYield page also has nothing on these. One buyer takes a single softgel after a meal, which is the only detail about how it is used. **Value for money:** Price comes up often and favorably. One buyer says "Found it cheapest at Walmart," another calls it "Much less expensive than at the health foods store," and a third says it was the best price per 500 mg softgel they could find online when they bought it in November 2019. One buyer also praised the speedy delivery, which arrived days early. The FruitfulYield reviews don't mention price. **Who it seems to suit and who it did not:** Many buyers came to it on a professional's advice. An eye doctor, a doctor and a chiropractor are each mentioned as recommending it. The chiropractor suggested it for a buyer who cannot take fish oil. It appeals to people looking for a plant-based source of GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid, for skin, hair, hormone-related or inflammation concerns. One reviewer likes its balance of omega-3 and omega-6. It seems less satisfying for anyone expecting a noticeable change quickly, since a couple of buyers saw nothing after weeks. Several reviews are very short, and one buyer's results are still unfolding, so many of the benefits are personal impressions and not proven outcomes.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only0 of 10 recommend it
Our biohacker panel has not discussed this product’s ingredients yet.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 3 for Joints and Mobility
It is rated by its reviews: 90% of 4289 reviews are positive. Study support is thin, resting on a single rheumatoid arthritis trial in which symptoms improved but the overall response was no better than the dummy pill [1].
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Musculoskeletal system, Immune system
Combine with: For joint and inflammation support, pair black currant oil with marine omega-3s (EPA/DHA fish or algal oil) to balance omega-6 and omega-3 intake and strengthen the anti-inflammatory effect. Glucosamine with chondroitin, or UC-II collagen, supports cartilage. Curcumin (with piperine or in a bioavailable form) and boswellia add further inflammation modulation. Vitamin E or mixed tocopherols help protect the polyunsaturated oils from oxidation. If the goal is still cellular and DNA repair, look at separate evidence-based options such as NMN or NR, resveratrol, CoQ10 or PQQ, but consult a healthcare provider first, especially if you take meds, anticonvulsants or phenothiazines, since GLA may interact with them.
Possible side effects: In the trial, many people dropped out because of the large number of capsules they had to take each day. The reviews report no side effects.
Supplement Facts
Black Currant Oil 500 mg
| Calories | 5 | |
| Total Fat | 0.5 g | |
| Black Currant Oil | 500 mg | † |
Other ingredients: Softgel Capsule.
Directions: Suggested Usage: Take 1 softgel 3 times daily with food.
Barcode (UPC) 733739017154 · Label source: NIH label database · Report a label change
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Graded November 14, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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