Side Effects of Black Currant Oil

Commercially, black currant oil claims no side effects for users. Taking a closer look at this popular health supplement shows its main component is gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid. Because the Federal Drug Administration does not require detailed testing of supplements, there continues to be little documentation of possible complications from long-term use of GLA, or of any adverse interactions with prescribed medications, other supplements and herbs. Unwanted reactions may occur when using black currant oil because of its GLA and omega-6 properties.

Regular Medicine Use

• Black currant oil supplement use with regular medication such as aspirin and other blood thinners, epilepsy medications, or used by people with seizure disorders can exacerbate the conditions the prescribed or over-the-counter treatments are intended to counter.

Skin Contact

• Avoid skin contact when using essential black currant oil because of possible irritation. Diluting 1 to 4 drops of the oil in 2 to 4 oz. of sweet almond, olive oil or sunflower seed oil makes black currant oil more user friendly.

Possible Seizures

• Unwanted interactions with schizophrenia medications from supplements containing omega-6 may increase chances of seizures.

Inflammation

• Typically, black currant oil comes in 200 to 400 mg capsules. Although suggested daily intake of 600 to 6,000 mg is common, ingesting doses greater than 3,000 mg a day of supplements containing GLA can cause or increase body inflammation because of increased production of arachidonic acid.

Risks of Prostate Cancer

• Using omega-6 fatty acids such as GLA may lead to prostate tumor cell growth. People who already have these symptoms should not use black currant oil or any other supplement containing the essential fatty acids found in GLA.