Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is one of the most nutrient-rich wild fruits in Europe. Its bright orange berries thrive primarily in coastal regions and mountain ranges and are considered a true "superfood of nature." For manufacturers in the food and dietary supplement sector, sea buckthorn offers numerous applications – from natural vitamin sources to functional oils with rare fatty acids.
Ingredients and Special Features
Sea buckthorn is characterized by an exceptional nutrient profile:
- Vitamin C: With up to 10 times more vitamin C than oranges, sea buckthorn is one of the richest natural sources – ideal for strengthening the immune system.
- Omega Fatty Acids: Sea buckthorn pulp oil contains a unique combination of omega-3, -6, -7, and -9 fatty acids – especially the rare palmitoleic acid (omega-7), which is important for skin and mucous membrane health.
- Antioxidants: Flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin E act as cell-protecting factors and support regeneration.
- Minerals & Trace Elements: Potassium, iron, and zinc contribute to vitality and energy metabolism.
Applications in Foods & Supplements
Sea buckthorn is an attractive raw material for the food industry due to its natural color, fruity-tart aroma, and high stability.
- Foods: Fruit preparations, bars, beverages, jams, yogurt, smoothies
- Dietary Supplements: Powders, capsules, oils, lipid blends, immune or skin care formulas
- Cosmetic Products: Omega-7-rich oils for skin care and regeneration
Sea buckthorn extracts and oils can be integrated into functional products – especially in combination with vitamin E, zinc, or plant polyphenols.
Health Benefits
Numerous studies and traditional uses demonstrate the broad range of effects of sea buckthorn:
- Immune System: The high vitamin C content strengthens the body's defenses.
- Skin & Mucous Membranes: Omega-7 and antioxidants support hydration, elasticity, and regeneration.
- Cardiovascular health: Fatty acids and polyphenols can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.
- Cell protection: Carotenoids and vitamin E help reduce oxidative damage.
These properties make sea buckthorn an ideal component in holistic health and beauty-from-within concepts.
Studies on sea buckthorn:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36043374/
- https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12944-019-1065-9
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/10/1985
Did you know?
The name Hippophae means "shining horse"—the ancient Greeks are said to have fed sea buckthorn leaves to horses to make their coats shine.
In the GDR (East Germany), sea buckthorn was a "vitamin C supplier for the nation"—because citrus fruits were scarce. During this time, new varieties were bred specifically for plantation cultivation.
Some sea buckthorn varieties are extremely robust—they even thrive in nutrient-poor sandy soils and help prevent erosion.
Our Products
We offer a range of sea buckthorn products. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
The information contained in this article regarding legal regulations, approvals, and possible uses of raw materials is based on careful research and our current state of knowledge (as of July 2025). However, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information.
The legal framework for food and food supplements is subject to constant change. Therefore, the manufacturer or distributor is always responsible for checking the applicable regulations, EU regulations, and approval lists for the use of raw materials and health-related claims.
In case of legal uncertainty, we recommend consulting legal experts or the relevant authorities.