NOW Foods Black Currant Oil 1,000 mg (100 Softgels) – Pure Expeller-Pressed GLA & ALA
Looking for a natural way to support flexible joints, hydrated skin, and balanced immune defenses? NOW® Black Currant Oil 1,000 mg Double Strength delivers a balanced blend of essential fatty acids derived directly from the seeds of the European black currant bush (Ribes nigrum). Unlike ordinary plant oils that supply only one type of fat, black currant seed oil provides both Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA – 140 mg), a soothing Omega-6 fat, and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA – 104 mg), a foundational Omega-3 fat.
Quick Product Highlights:
✓ Double Strength Potency: Delivers 1,000 mg of unrefined black currant oil per softgel—twice the concentration of standard 500 mg capsules.
✓ 140 mg Active GLA: Provides a direct, biologically active fatty acid that bypasses the body’s sluggish conversion bottlenecks.
✓ 100% Hexane-Free: Mechanically expeller-pressed without harsh chemical solvents, chemical bleaches, or high-heat processing.
✓ Dual Omega-3 & Omega-6 Harmony: Naturally combines 140 mg of GLA with 104 mg of ALA for comprehensive cellular support.
Every batch of NOW SKU N1717 (UPC: 733739017178) is verified for identity, potency, and label accuracy. Below is the complete nutritional panel:
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel | Servings Per Container: 100
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value
Calories
10
Total Fat
1 g (1%*)
Black Currant Oil (Ribes nigrum) (Seed)
1 g (1,000 mg)†
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) (14%)
140 mg†
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
104 mg†
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. † Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Softgel Capsule [bovine gelatin (BSE-free), glycerin, water].
Allergen Free From: Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, or shellfish ingredients. Produced in a certified Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Purity Note: Expeller-pressed, solvent-free, and hexane-free. Non-GMO formulation. Natural color variation may occur in this product.
How Black Currant Oil Works in Simple Human Terms
Most people hear “Omega-6” and immediately think of unhealthy, inflammatory fast-food oils like corn or soybean oil. However, Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is a unique, beneficial Omega-6 fatty acid that behaves very differently inside your body.
Skipping the Body’s “Metabolic Traffic Jam”
Under normal circumstances, your body tries to create GLA from dietary linoleic acid using a liver enzyme called delta-6-desaturase (D6D). Think of this enzyme as a slow single-lane toll booth. Aging, stress, poor diet, high sugar intake, smoking, and everyday illnesses frequently clog this toll booth, slowing your internal GLA production to a trickle. When that happens, your body struggles to generate the soothing compounds needed to keep joint tissues and skin supple.
Taking NOW Black Currant Oil bypasses this traffic jam completely. It provides 140 mg of ready-to-use GLA right at the cellular level.
Turning on Soothing Prostaglandins (PGE1)
Once absorbed, your cells quickly convert GLA into Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA then fuels the production of Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 acts like an internal cooling agent: it helps calm overactive inflammatory pathways, promotes smooth micro-circulation in capillary beds, and reinforces the protective moisture barrier in dry skin and eyes. Because black currant seed oil also contains Omega-3 ALA, it provides balanced nourishment without encouraging pro-inflammatory cascades.
Comparison Guide: Black Currant Oil vs. Evening Primrose vs. Borage Oil
Consumers frequently ask: “Should I take Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, or Black Currant Oil?” While all three provide GLA, their fatty acid ratios and digestive tolerances differ significantly.
Nutritional Feature
Black Currant Seed Oil
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
Borage Seed Oil
Typical GLA Content
14% – 17% (Balanced)
8% – 10% (Low)
20% – 24% (High)
Omega-3 ALA Content
10% – 14% (Natural source)
Virtually None (0%)
Virtually None (0%)
Dual Omega-3/Omega-6
Yes ✓ (Balanced ratio)
No (Omega-6 only)
No (Omega-6 only)
Digestive Gentleness
Very High (Gentle on stomach)
High
Moderate (Can cause loose stools)
Capsules Required Daily
1 to 2 softgels
3 to 6 large softgels
1 to 2 softgels
The Bottom Line: Evening Primrose requires you to swallow several large softgels daily to obtain meaningful GLA levels, while Borage oil completely lacks Omega-3 ALA. Black Currant Oil provides the ideal golden middle: concentrated GLA accompanied by natural Omega-3 ALA in convenient, stomach-friendly softgels.
Clinical Evidence & Scientific Research
Dietary supplements must be evaluated against genuine clinical literature. Multiple peer-reviewed human trials show that black currant seed oil and its key fatty acids support several key biological functions:
1. Joint Comfort and Synovial Health
In a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating joint stiffness and tenderness, patients receiving black currant seed oil demonstrated meaningful reductions in joint discomfort and pro-inflammatory monocyte responses compared to baseline measurements.
Citation: Watson J, Byars ML, McGill P, Kelman AW. Cytokine and prostaglandin production by monocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with black currant seed oil. British Journal of Rheumatology. 1993;32(12):1055-1058. PMID: 8081671.
2. Skin Hydration and Epidermal Barrier Integrity
Clinical evaluations demonstrate that oral black currant seed oil supports skin barrier moisture retention by fortifying ceramides in the stratum corneum. In a large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, maternal and infant supplementation with black currant seed oil significantly lowered markers of skin dryness and atopic flare-ups compared to olive oil control groups.
Citation: Linnamaa P, Savolainen J, Koulu L, et al. Blackcurrant seed oil for prevention of atopic dermatitis in newborns: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical & Experimental Allergy. 2010;40(8):1247-1255. PMID: 20545710.
3. Healthy Aging and Immune Defense
A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied healthy older adults supplementing with black currant seed oil over two months. The researchers observed a moderate, healthy enhancement in cell-mediated immune responses without triggering unwanted systemic irritation.
Citation: Wu D, Meydani M, Leka LS, et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with black currant seed oil on the immune response of healthy elderly subjects. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1999;70(4):536-543. PMID: 10500018.
4. Pooled Systematic Review on GLA-Rich Oils
A comprehensive Cochrane Systematic Review examining herbal therapies concluded that moderate-certainty clinical evidence supports the role of GLA-rich botanical seed oils in alleviating ongoing joint discomfort and morning stiffness.
Citation: Cameron M, Gagnier JJ, Chrubasik S. Herbal therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2011;Issue 2. Art. No.: CD002948.
NOW Foods Quality: ISO 17025 Labs & Strict Contaminant Testing
Plant-derived nutritional oils are particularly vulnerable to chemical pesticide residues, rancidity from oxidation, and toxic heavy metals absorbed through agricultural soil. NOW Foods employs one of the supplement industry’s most sophisticated quality-assurance systems to guarantee that every single bottle meets rigorous safety standards:
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited In-House Laboratories: NOW conducts thousands of specialized analytical tests every month in cutting-edge facilities to verify purity, potency, and botanical authenticity before any raw material is released to production.
Gas Chromatography (GC) Fatty Acid Profiling: To prevent adulteration or dilution with cheaper commodity vegetable oils, NOW chemists test every lot using Gas Chromatography. This confirms that the oil delivers a minimum of 14% pure GLA (140 mg) and genuine botanical finger-printing.
Peroxide & Oxidation Control: Unstable oils turn rancid quickly when exposed to oxygen or elevated temperatures. NOW evaluates raw oil for Peroxide Value (PV) and p-Anisidine levels to verify fresh, unoxidized fats, safeguarding both sensory taste and physiological safety.
ICP-MS Heavy Metal Screening: Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), NOW checks for microscopic heavy metals down to parts-per-billion (ppb) levels. Finished products are designed to comply with California Proposition 65 limits:
• Lead: Below California Prop 65 safe harbor limit (< 0.5 µg/day)
• Inorganic Arsenic: Below standard limits (< 10 µg/day)
• Cadmium: Below standard limits (< 4.1 µg/day)
• Mercury: Below standard limits (< 0.3 µg/day)
Cold Expeller-Pressing (Hexane-Free): Commercial oils often rely on petroleum distillates like hexane to boost extraction yields. NOW uses mechanical cold expeller-pressing, preserving delicate polyunsaturated bonds without chemical solvent contamination.
Take 1 softgel 2 times daily with meals, or follow the directions of your healthcare professional. Taking nutritional softgels alongside meals containing healthy dietary fats improves lipid absorption and prevents mild digestive upset.
What to Expect & How Long It Takes
Essential fatty acids incorporate into cellular membranes gradually. While some individuals notice improved tear lubrication or skin hydration within 2 to 3 weeks, joint comfort and systemic prostaglandin balance typically require 6 to 12 weeks of steady daily supplementation.
Important Safety Warnings & Drug Interactions
Adults Only: Keep safely out of reach of children. Consult your physician before taking if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy.
Blood-Thinning Medications: Black currant oil may slightly slow blood platelet aggregation. Speak with your doctor if you take prescription blood thinners (such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel) or NSAIDs.
Upcoming Surgery: Discontinue taking black currant oil at least 2 weeks prior to any scheduled medical or dental surgical procedures.
Seizure Disorders: High doses of supplemental GLA may interact with phenothiazine medications; individuals with a history of seizure disorders should consult their neurologist prior to use.
Why Order Your Supplements from VitaNet®, LLC?
When you purchase health products online, knowing who stands behind the bottle is just as important as reading the label. At VitaNet, LLC, we combine deep nutritional knowledge with honest, old-fashioned customer care:
Family-Owned Since 1995
Operating as an independent, family-owned health retailer located at 887 Edison Street NW in Hartville, Ohio, we have served health-conscious shoppers online for over 31 years[cite: 1].
100% Money-Back Guarantee
We stand fully behind our products. If you are not satisfied, we provide a 100% refund on the purchase price and we even pay the return shipping costs—whether the bottle is opened or unopened[cite: 1].
BBB A+ Accredited Business
We maintain an A+ Better Business Bureau rating[cite: 1]. No unverified third-party drop-shippers, no warehouse counterfeits—only authentic, fresh inventory directly from verified manufacturers.
Real Phone Support
Have a question about your order? Call our Ohio team directly at 330-877-8786 or toll-free at 1-800-877-8702 to speak with a knowledgeable associate[cite: 1].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between NOW 500 mg and 1,000 mg Black Currant Oil?
NOW SKU N1717 is the “Double Strength” version containing a full 1,000 mg (1 gram) of black currant seed oil per softgel, supplying 140 mg of GLA and 104 mg of ALA. The regular strength product (SKU N1715) provides 500 mg of oil with 70 mg of GLA per softgel. The 1,000 mg softgel cuts down on how many capsules you need to swallow each day.
How does Black Currant Oil help with dry eyes and skin?
Black Currant Oil supplies Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), which the body converts into Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 supports tear film stability in the eyes and reinforces moisture retention within the skin’s lipid barrier, helping soothe chronic dryness and flakiness.
Is NOW Black Currant Oil expeller-pressed and free from hexane?
Yes. NOW Black Currant Oil is extracted mechanically using an expeller-pressing process without chemical solvents such as hexane. It is unrefined, non-GMO, and tested for residual solvents using gas chromatography mass spectrometry.
When should I take this supplement and should it be taken with food?
Take 1 softgel twice daily with food. Consuming black currant oil with meals improves the digestion and systemic absorption of its fat-soluble fatty acids while reducing the likelihood of minor stomach sensitivity.
Can I take Black Currant Oil if I take prescription blood thinners?
You should consult your prescribing physician before using black currant oil with blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Plavix, or daily aspirin). Because GLA promotes healthy circulation and may mildly slow blood clotting, your doctor may wish to monitor your clotting times.
How should I store my bottle after opening?
Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Because natural seed oils are sensitive to oxidation, avoid keeping the bottle in warm, humid areas like bathroom cabinets or next to kitchen stoves.
