Grapeseed Oil

Fatty-acidSeed oilBest with a meal

What is it

Grapeseed oil is an edible oil extracted from grape seeds (Vitis vinifera), a byproduct of winemaking. It is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially linoleic acid) and contains small amounts of vitamin E. In supplements it is often used as a carrier oil in soft gels and liquid formulations.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Essential fatty acid contribution

Mixed Evidence

Provides linoleic acid (omega-6 essential fatty acid) as part of a varied diet. Specific health benefits beyond standard dietary fat have not been clearly demonstrated.

Supplement carrier oil

Mixed Evidence

Used to deliver fat-soluble nutrients in soft gels and liquid supplements. Has no specific therapeutic role in this context.

How it works

Grapeseed oil is roughly 65 to 75 percent linoleic acid (an essential omega-6 fatty acid), about 15 to 20 percent oleic acid, with small amounts of saturated fats and trace tocopherols (vitamin E). It is typically extracted by mechanical pressing or solvent extraction from seeds left after grapes are crushed for wine. Nutritionally, grapeseed oil contributes essential fatty acids and a modest amount of vitamin E. Its high linoleic acid content gives it a relatively neutral flavor and high smoke point in some refined forms, making it useful in cooking. In supplements, it most commonly serves as a carrier oil for fat-soluble nutrients (vitamins A, D, E, K; CoQ10; fish oils; botanical oil extracts). It has no notable therapeutic activity beyond its essential fatty acid contribution.

Dosage

There is no RDA for grapeseed oil specifically. As a dietary oil, intake should be considered within total fat recommendations (20 to 35 percent of calories). In supplements as a carrier, amounts are typically small (under 1 gram per serving).

When and how to take it

No specific timing. As a culinary oil, use as needed. As a supplement carrier, take the product as directed; taking with meals may improve absorption of any co-formulated fat-soluble actives.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Cold-pressed grapeseed oil

Higher-quality version, suitable for finishing oils and supplements.

Preserves natural tocopherols and flavor; lower yield.

Solvent-extracted/refined grapeseed oil

Common in commercial cooking oils and supplements; refined for neutral flavor.

Higher yield; may have residual solvents in some products.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. As a high-linoleic-acid oil, very large dietary intake might contribute to an unfavorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio if not balanced with omega-3 sources. Allergies are rare. Solvent-extracted oils may have residual solvent traces; choose cold-pressed or expeller-pressed for cleaner profile. No formal Tolerable Upper Intake Level has been established.

Who should be cautious

Generally safe in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for children at culinary and supplement levels. People with rare grape allergies should check labels. Those balancing omega-6 and omega-3 intake may prefer to use it sparingly.

Interactions

No significant medication interactions. As a polyunsaturated oil, it may slightly increase bleeding risk in combination with anticoagulants at very high intakes, but supplement levels are not clinically relevant.

Food sources

Grapeseed oil (culinary)

Amount
1 tablespoon
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is grapeseed oil healthy?⌄

It is a reasonable dietary oil but high in omega-6. Balance with omega-3 sources (fish, walnuts, flax) is important. Olive oil and avocado oil are generally preferred for higher monounsaturated content.

Why is grapeseed oil in my supplement?⌄

Most commonly as a carrier oil for fat-soluble nutrients in soft gels. It has a neutral flavor and good shelf stability.

Does grapeseed oil contain resveratrol or OPCs?⌄

No. Those polyphenolic compounds are concentrated in grape skin and grape seed extract (a separate ingredient), not in the oil itself.

References

Grapeseed Oil on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Grapeseed Oil on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Grapeseed Oil (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.