Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis and is notable for its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content — an omega-6 fatty acid that the body converts to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. It is used primarily as a nutritional supplement (typically in capsule form) for eczema, PMS, and menopausal symptoms, though evidence for most claims is modest. It has a low smoke point and is not used for cooking.
Used as a supplement (1-3g daily in capsule form) rather than a cooking oil; the GLA content is its sole nutritional distinction. Evidence for therapeutic claims is mixed — consult a healthcare provider before using for a specific condition.
Where Oil, evening primrose Stands Out
Macronutrients per 100g
Vitamins & Minerals
| Nutrient | Per 100g | % Daily Value* | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Selenium | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Copper | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Niacin equivalents (NE) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Magnesium | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Folate | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Chloride | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Vitamin A (RE) | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Manganese | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Zinc | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Iodine | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) | 76.6 g | — | |
| Monounsaturated fat | 10.6 g | — | |
| Sucrose | 0.000 g | — | |
| Glucose (dextrose) | 0.000 g | — | |
| Maltose | 0.000 g | — | |
| Fructose | 0.000 g | — | |
| Cholesterol | 0.000 mg | — | |
| Retinol (vitamin A) | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Biotin (Vitamin B7) | 0.000 µg | 0% |
* % Daily Value is the proportion of an adult
EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) supplied by 100g of this food.
NRVs are the labelling standard — the same basis as the “%RI” figures printed on
food packaging — so these percentages are directly comparable with a shop label.
They are a single adult figure and do not vary by age or sex, which is why they
sometimes differ from UK dietary reference values: the NRV for vitamin C is 80mg
where the UK RNI is 40mg. When Nutriofia assesses your own intake in the
reports and trackers, it uses the age- and sex-specific UK values instead.
Fibre is shown without a percentage. Our fibre values use the UK
Englyst NSP method, while the published 30g daily goal is an AOAC figure — the two
are measured differently and a single percentage would mislead.
How we source and normalise our data →