# Herring Oil (Clupea harengus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/herring-oil
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Protein
**Also Known As:** Atlantic herring oil, Clupea harengus oil, herring roe oil, marine herring extract, herring-derived omega-3 oil, North Atlantic herring oil

## Overview

Herring oil, derived from Clupea harengus, is rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), as well as phospholipids from herring roe. These bioactives modulate immune cell activation and reduce systemic [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), with clinical evidence supporting its use in autoimmune skin conditions such as psoriasis.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces psoriasis severity: Clinical trial (n=64) showed significant PASI score improvements with 2.4g/day herring roe oil over 26 weeks (moderate evidence)
• Modulates immune response: Significantly reduces activated CD38+ T cells and CD107a+CD8+ T cells in psoriasis patients (moderate evidence)
• May support eye health: Preliminary data suggests potential [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s in glaucoma (preliminary evidence)
• Lowers cholesterol: Animal studies demonstrate serum cholesterol reduction distinct from other fish oils (preliminary evidence)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Phospholipid-bound EPA/DHA may dampen Th17/IL-23 pathways, though human cytokine data inconclusive (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

EPA and DHA from herring oil are incorporated into cell membrane phospholipids, competitively inhibiting arachidonic acid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and reducing downstream synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids such as leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 via COX-2 and 5-LOX pathways. These omega-3 fatty acids also activate PPARγ and GPR120 receptors, suppressing NF-κB signaling and reducing transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-17. Herring roe oil specifically downregulates activated CD38+ T cells and cytotoxic CD107a+CD8+ T cells, suggesting a direct modulatory effect on adaptive immune responses relevant to psoriatic inflammation.

## Clinical Summary

A double-blind randomized controlled trial (n=64) evaluating 2.4g/day herring roe oil over 26 weeks demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores compared to placebo, representing moderate-quality evidence. The same trial documented significant reductions in circulating activated CD38+ T cells and CD107a+CD8+ T cells, indicating measurable [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects at that dose. Evidence is currently limited to this primary psoriasis-focused trial, and broader extrapolation to [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) or metabolic outcomes relies on the established omega-3 literature rather than herring-oil-specific trials. Overall, the evidence base is promising but moderate, and larger multicenter trials are needed to confirm and extend these findings.

## Nutritional Profile

Herring oil (Clupea harengus) is a marine-derived lipid rich in long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Per 100g of oil: ~900 kcal, ~100g total fat. Key bioactive compounds include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, ~6-10g/100g oil), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, ~4-8g/100g oil), and DPA (docosapentaenoic acid, ~1-2g/100g oil). Herring roe oil specifically contains phospholipid-bound omega-3s (~30-50% of total omega-3s as phosphatidylcholine), which enhances bioavailability compared to triglyceride-bound forms found in standard fish oils (absorption estimated 2-3× higher for phospholipid-bound EPA/DHA). Contains naturally occurring vitamin D3 (~200-1000 IU/100g depending on processing), vitamin A (retinol, ~100-500 IU/100g), vitamin E (as alpha-tocopherol, ~1-5mg/100g, often added as [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) stabilizer), and trace amounts of astaxanthin (~0.5-2mg/100g in roe-derived oil). Provides minor amounts of selenium (~10-30µg/100g) and iodine. Contains choline (~50-200mg/100g in roe oil due to phosphatidylcholine content). Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is favorable at approximately 1:10-1:15. Saturated fat content ~15-20g/100g (predominantly palmitic acid C16:0 and myristic acid C14:0). Monounsaturated fat ~20-30g/100g (primarily oleic acid C18:1). Also contains cetoleic acid (C22:1n-11, ~5-10g/100g), a long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid characteristic of herring that may enhance tissue incorporation of EPA/DHA. Virtually no carbohydrates, fiber, or protein in purified oil form. Cholesterol content ~400-600mg/100g. Bioavailability of EPA/DHA from herring oil is generally high when consumed with a fat-containing meal; phospholipid-bound forms (roe oil) show superior intestinal absorption and preferential incorporation into cell membranes and red blood cells compared to ethyl ester or standard triglyceride fish oil supplements.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinical studies used 2.4g/day herring roe oil standardized to contain 378mg phospholipid DHA and 126mg phospholipid EPA (3:1 ratio) for 26 weeks. No clinically validated dosages exist for other forms or conditions. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Herring oil is generally well tolerated at doses up to 2.4g/day, with common mild side effects including fishy aftertaste, burping, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Due to its EPA and DHA content, herring oil may potentiate the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and other blood-thinning medications, necessitating caution and medical supervision. Individuals with fish or seafood allergies should avoid herring oil entirely, and those with clotting disorders should consult a physician before use. Pregnancy safety has not been specifically evaluated for herring roe oil; while general omega-3 supplementation is considered safe in pregnancy, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical guidance before supplementing.

## Scientific Research

The primary evidence comes from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PSORAX 35, NCT03359577; PMID: 32378724) testing 2.4g/day herring roe oil in 64 psoriasis patients over 26 weeks, showing significant PASI score improvement. A follow-up immune analysis (PMID: 37744329) revealed significant reductions in activated T cells and [NK cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) markers in the treatment group (n=10) versus control (n=8).

## Historical & Cultural Context

No documented evidence of traditional medicinal use in historical healing systems like Ayurveda or TCM was found in available research. Modern interest in herring oil stems entirely from its omega-3 fatty acid content discovered through contemporary nutritional science.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin D, Turmeric, Vitamin E, [Probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s, Zinc

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage of herring oil for psoriasis?

The clinical trial supporting herring oil's use in psoriasis used 2.4g per day of herring roe oil over a 26-week period. This specific dose produced significant reductions in PASI scores and measurable changes in immune cell populations, and is currently the only human trial-validated dosage for this indication.

### Is herring oil better than regular fish oil?

Herring roe oil is distinct from standard fish oil in that it delivers omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in phospholipid form rather than primarily as triglycerides, which may enhance bioavailability and cellular membrane incorporation. Additionally, herring roe contains astaxanthin and other carotenoids absent in most standard fish oils. However, head-to-head comparative clinical trials are lacking, so definitive superiority claims are premature.

### How long does herring oil take to work for skin conditions?

Based on the 26-week randomized controlled trial (n=64), significant improvements in PASI scores for psoriasis were observed over the full 26-week supplementation period, suggesting that meaningful clinical benefit requires several months of consistent use. Short-term use of under 8–12 weeks is unlikely to produce measurable anti-inflammatory effects in skin conditions based on general omega-3 pharmacokinetics.

### Does herring oil interact with blood thinners?

Yes, herring oil contains EPA and DHA, which inhibit platelet aggregation and may enhance the anticoagulant effects of drugs such as warfarin, aspirin, heparin, and clopidogrel, increasing bleeding risk. Patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy should inform their prescriber before adding herring oil supplementation, and INR monitoring may be warranted for warfarin users.

### What immune cells does herring oil affect?

Clinical trial data specifically show that 2.4g/day herring roe oil significantly reduces circulating activated CD38+ T cells and CD107a+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in psoriasis patients. CD38 is a marker of T cell activation, and CD107a (LAMP-1) on CD8+ cells indicates cytotoxic degranulation activity, both of which are implicated in the inflammatory cascade driving psoriatic lesions.

### What is the most bioavailable form of herring oil for psoriasis treatment?

Herring roe oil (from fish eggs) demonstrated superior efficacy compared to standard herring body oil in clinical trials, with 2.4g/day of herring roe oil showing significant PASI score improvements over 26 weeks. The roe form appears to concentrate beneficial compounds more effectively than whole herring oil, making it the preferred formulation for skin condition support. Absorption is enhanced when herring oil is taken with meals containing fat.

### Is herring oil safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers?

While herring oil is a natural fish-derived source of omega-3 fatty acids considered safe for most adults, pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing, as high-dose fish oils may have anticoagulant effects during pregnancy. The typical 2.4g/day dosage used in psoriasis studies has not been specifically evaluated for pregnancy safety. Standard prenatal fish oil recommendations (200–300 mg DHA daily) may be a safer alternative for this population.

### What does current clinical research show about herring oil for eye health conditions like glaucoma?

Preliminary data suggests herring oil may have neuroprotective effects relevant to glaucoma, though this evidence remains in early stages and is not yet conclusive. The omega-3 composition and immune-modulating properties of herring oil provide a plausible mechanism for ocular nerve protection, but robust clinical trials in glaucoma patients are needed to establish efficacy. Current evidence is insufficient to recommend herring oil as a standalone treatment for glaucoma without consulting an ophthalmologist.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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