Stephen Lukawski, director of global sales for the supplier, said Fruit d’Or was the first to extract oil from the seeds, which at one time were viewed as low-value leftovers from juice production. In addition the seed oil’s fatty acid profile, the ingredient also has antioxidant potential and is a source of oleic acid. According to the company, the oil consists of 35% ALA, 37% LA (linolenic acid) and 20% oleic acid.
The health claim wording that was approved by Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) for the cranberry seed oil is: “source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for the maintenance of good health. Source of antioxidants. Source of oleic acid.”
The health supporting application for the cranberry seed oil is one tablespoon, or 15 ml daily. The company notes the oil has other potential applications beyond being used as a simple tonic such as potential use in multivitamin soft gels, use as a blending oil in culinary applications such as dressings or as an additive to chocolate, or uses in cosmetics for skin health.