Pine nut oil – a source of tocopherol

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February 10, 2026

On February 10, 2026

In the world of natural products that can support our health, pine nut oil occupies a special place as an outstanding source of tocopherols.

pine-nut-oil-enriched-with-sea-buckthorn

Pine nut oil is a valuable source of vitamin E, represented by the tocopherol family. Unlike most vegetable oils, where alpha-tocopherol predominates, pine nut oil is distinguished by its high content of gamma-tocopherol, which makes up 70-80% of the total amount. Gamma-tocopherol has unique properties, effectively neutralizing peroxynitrite, a free radical associated with inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. This makes pine nut oil particularly useful for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Tocopherols: not one, but a whole family
It is important to understand that tocopherol is not a single substance, but a group of fat-soluble compounds united under the common name vitamin E. There are eight main forms in nature: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols, as well as the corresponding tocotrienols. Each of these forms has different biological activity and specific effects.

Pine nut oil: champion in gamma-tocopherol
Unlike many other vegetable oils, where alpha-tocopherol dominates (for example, in sunflower oil), pine nut oil stands out for its high gamma-tocopherol content. Its share in the product can reach up to 70-80% of the total tocopherol content.

Why is this important?
Gamma-tocopherol has unique properties that differ from alpha-tocopherol. It acts as a “trap” for peroxynitrite, a powerful free radical formed in the body and associated with the development of inflammatory processes and neurodegenerative diseases[1].
Some studies suggest that gamma-tocopherol may be more effective than alpha-tocopherol in preventing certain types of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Tocopherol content in pine nut oil
The average total tocopherol content in pine nut oil varies, but is usually between 30 and 70 mg per 100 grams of product. As already mentioned, gamma-tocopherol is the dominant form.
For comparison:

Sunflower oil: 40-60 mg/100 g, predominantly alpha-tocopherol.
Olive oil: 10-20 mg/100 g, predominantly alpha-tocopherol[2].
Wheat germ oil: up to 150-200 mg/100 g, but also with a predominance of alpha-tocopherol.

Thus, pine nut oil not only contains tocopherols, but also offers a unique profile with an emphasis on the gamma form, which makes it particularly valuable.

REFERENCES

[1] Cancer-preventive activities of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Jihyeung Ju et al.

[2] Study of differences between the fatty acid content, several quality parameters, fatty acids and alpha tocopherol between 9 varieties of olive oil from the same plantation. J J Murillo Ramos et al.

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