Herb & supplement monograph

Canola Oil Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Canola Oil

0 medications have a known interaction with Canola Oil, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Canola Oil. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Canola Oil combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Canola Oil: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Canola oil is a common cooking oil pressed from the seeds of the canola plant, a type of rapeseed bred to be low in erucic acid. It is low in saturated fat and contains heart-friendly unsaturated fats, and replacing saturated fats with it may support healthy cholesterol. For most people it is safe as a food, but it is not a proven treatment for any disease.

Scientific name
Brassica napus
Family
Brassicaceae
Part used
Seeds (oil pressed from the seeds)
Common forms
Cooking oil, salad dressings, margarine, capsules (less common), and an ingredient in many processed foods
People commonly use it for
  • Heart health and cholesterol support
  • Cooking and food preparation
  • Source of unsaturated fats and omega-3 (ALA)
  • Skin moisturizing (topical, traditional)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallLikely safe

Canola oil is widely consumed as food and is generally considered safe in normal dietary amounts.

PregnancyLikely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using canola oil in medi...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using canola oil in medi...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Canola oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of the canola plant, which is a type of rapeseed (Brassica napus) that was specially bred to be low in a substance called erucic acid. The name "canola" comes from "Canadian oil, low acid." It is grown widely in Canada, the northern United States, Europe, and Australia.

You will find canola oil in many kitchens and in countless packaged foods. It is popular because it has a mild, neutral flavor, a high smoke point for cooking, and a fat makeup that is low in saturated fat. It is most often used as a cooking and salad oil rather than as a traditional herbal remedy.

How it works

Canola oil is rich in monounsaturated fat (mostly oleic acid) and contains polyunsaturated fats, including the omega-3 fatty acid ALA and the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. It is also low in saturated fat compared with many other fats.

The proposed benefit comes mainly from replacing saturated fats in the diet. Diets higher in unsaturated fats and lower in saturated fats are linked with more favorable cholesterol levels. Canola oil also contains small amounts of vitamin E and plant compounds that act as antioxidants. Much of the detailed research is based on general fatty-acid science and population studies rather than studies of canola oil alone.

Effectiveness

Does Canola Oil work?

Evidence overview · 7 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 1 Leans ineffective 5 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Coronary heart disease (CHD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

One preliminary clinical study shows that including canola oil, high oleic acid canola oil, or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched canola oil 60 grams per 3000 kcal of energy daily as part of a fixed composition diet for 4 weeks can reduce Framingham 10-year coronary heart disease risk scores by 8.2%, 19%, and 6.8% compared to baseline in patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Other preliminary research in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that eating a canola oil-enriched bread supplement as part of a low glycemic load diet as an adjunct to oral hypoglycemic agents for 3 months reduces the Framingham risk score for CVD by 0.6% compared to eating a wheat fiber bread as part of a whole-grain diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows for a qualified health claim that replacing dietary fats and oils higher in saturated fat with canola oil, which contains less saturated fat, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. To achieve this benefit, canola oil or other oleic-acid containing oils should not increase total daily energy intake. The suggested daily dietary intake is about 20 grams (1.5 tbsp) of canola oil in place of other fats and oils.

Sources Ref 26466 Ref 98569 Ref 98563
Possibly Ineffective Obesity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although taking canola oil may modestly reduce body weight in obese patients by about 0.3 kg when compared with taking control fats, the benefit is probably not clinically significant. Taking canola oil does not appear to improve body composition or reduce body mass index (BMI).

Also studied for 5 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that eating a canola oil-enriched bread supplement as part of a low glycemic load diet as an adjunct to oral hypoglycemic agents for 3 months reduces HbA1c by 0.47% compared with a reduction of 0.31% following intake of a wheat fiber bread as part of a whole-grain diet. Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were also reduced in those taking canola oil. Other preliminary research in mainly postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes shows that taking canola oil 30 grams daily for 8 weeks reduces levels of LDL cholesterol by a small amount, as well as levels of C-reactive protein, when compared to a sunflower oil control. However, it is less effective than rice bran oil for LDL cholesterol reduction, and there is no benefit to glycemic measures.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Familial hypercholesterolemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

A small clinical trial shows that using canola oil in place of all visible fat, at levels of 14-27 grams daily as part of a low-fat diet, for 13 weeks reduces levels of LDL cholesterol by 12.7% compared with baseline in children 6 years and up with familiar hypercholesterolemia. However, canola oil is no more effective than the same amount of sunflower oil.

Sources Ref 98586
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that taking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched canola oil for 4 weeks reduces systolic blood pressure by 3.3% and diastolic blood pressure by 4.1% compared to baseline in men and women with central obesity and at least one other cardiovascular disease risk factor. However, conventional canola oil and high oleic acid canola oil did not reduce blood pressure, suggesting that the benefit may relate to DHA content.

Sources Ref 26466
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Metabolic syndrome
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that using canola oil (Virgino, Kankaisten Öljykasvit Ltd) 35 mL daily instead of butter 37.5 grams daily for 6-8 weeks reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 11% in males with metabolic syndrome. There were no differences in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, glucose, or HbA1c.

Sources Ref 98573
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in men with NAFLD shows that cooking with canola oil (Hudson Canola Oil, Dalmia Continental Pvt. Ltd.) no more than 20 grams daily along with therapeutic lifestyle modifications for 6 months reduces the grading of fatty liver based on ultrasound imaging to normal liver grading in about 77% of patients compared with 10% of those cooking with soybean/safflower oil while following therapeutic lifestyle modifications.

Sources Ref 98570

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Canola oil is considered safe for most people when used in normal amounts as part of a regular diet. Modern food-grade canola oil is low in erucic acid, which was a concern with older rapeseed oils.

People with a known allergy to canola or rapeseed should avoid it. Like all oils, it is high in calories, so large amounts can contribute to weight gain. Some canola oil is highly processed, and people who prefer minimally processed foods may choose cold-pressed or expeller-pressed versions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Eating canola oil as a normal part of food is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Concentrated supplement forms have not been well studied, so it is best to stick to food amounts and check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any supplement.

Side effects

When used as a food, canola oil rarely causes side effects. Eating very large amounts of any oil can cause loose stools, stomach upset, or unwanted weight gain because of its high calorie content.

Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible in people sensitive to plants in the mustard/rapeseed family. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no official medicinal dose for canola oil. As a food, it is simply used in cooking, baking, and salad dressings in normal recipe amounts. Dietary guidelines generally suggest using oils in moderation as part of a balanced diet and keeping total fat within your daily calorie needs.

If you use a canola oil supplement (less common), follow the directions on the product label and ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it is appropriate for you. More is not better, since extra oil mainly adds calories.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Canola Oil & Pregnancy

Likely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using canola oil in medicinal amounts during pregnancy or lactation. Consuming canola oil, a source of alpha-linolenic acid, increases levels of this fatty acid in breast milk. While alpha-linolenic acid is likely safe during pregnancy and lactation when used in amounts typically found in food, it is unknown if it is safe in amounts exceeding those typically found in foods; avoid using.

  1. https://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/GRAS/. Accessed January 25, 2019.
  2. Francois CA, Connor SL, Wander RC, Connor WE. Acute effects of dietary fatty acids on the fatty acids of human milk. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;67(2):301-8.
  3. Crawford M, Galli C, Visioli F, et al. Role of Plant-Derived Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Human Nutrition. Ann Nutr Metab 2000;44:263-5.
  4. Connor WE. Alpha-linolenic acid in health and disease. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:827-8.
  5. Gibson RA, Makrides M. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid requirements of term infants. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:251S-5S.

Canola Oil & Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using canola oil in medicinal amounts during pregnancy or lactation. Consuming canola oil, a source of alpha-linolenic acid, increases levels of this fatty acid in breast milk. While alpha-linolenic acid is likely safe during pregnancy and lactation when used in amounts typically found in food, it is unknown if it is safe in amounts exceeding those typically found in foods; avoid using.

  1. https://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/GRAS/. Accessed January 25, 2019.
  2. Francois CA, Connor SL, Wander RC, Connor WE. Acute effects of dietary fatty acids on the fatty acids of human milk. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;67(2):301-8.
  3. Crawford M, Galli C, Visioli F, et al. Role of Plant-Derived Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Human Nutrition. Ann Nutr Metab 2000;44:263-5.
  4. Connor WE. Alpha-linolenic acid in health and disease. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:827-8.
  5. Gibson RA, Makrides M. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid requirements of term infants. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:251S-5S.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 16 references that drive our Canola Oil monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Crawford M, Galli C, Visioli F, et al. Role of Plant-Derived Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Human Nutrition. Ann Nutr Metab 2000;44:263-5. PubMed
  2. Connor WE. Alpha-linolenic acid in health and disease. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:827-8. PubMed
  3. Gibson RA, Makrides M. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid requirements of term infants. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:251S-5S. PubMed
  4. Jones PJ, Senanayake VK, Pu S, Jenkins DJ, Connelly PW, Lamarche B, Couture P, Charest A, Baril-Gravel L, West SG, Liu X, Fleming JA, McCrea CE, Kris-Etherton PM. DHA-enriched high-oleic acid canola oil improves lipid profile and lowers predicted cardiova
  5. https://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/GRAS/. Accessed January 25, 2019.
  6. FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for oleic acid and the risk of coronary heart disease. November 2018. Available at: www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm624758.htm. Accessed January 25, 2019.
  7. Liu X, Kris-Etherton PM, West SG, et al. Effects of canola and high-oleic-acid canola oils on abdominal fat mass in individuals with central obesity. Obesity. 2016;24(11):2261-2268. PubMed
  8. Kruse M, von Loeffelholz C, Hoffmann D, et al. Dietary rapeseed/canola-oil supplementation reduces serum lipids and liver enzymes and alters postprandial inflammatory responses in adipose tissue compared to olive-oil supplementation in obese men. Mol Nutr PubMed
  9. Jenkins DJ, Kendall CW, Vuksan V, et al. Effect of lowering the glycemic load with canola oil on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care. 2014;37(7):1806-14. PubMed
  10. Nigam P, Bhatt S, Misra A, et al. Effect of a 6-month intervention with cooking oils containing a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (olive and canola oils) compared with control oil in male Asian Indians with nonalcoholic fatty liver disea
  11. Palomäki A, Pohjantähti-Maaroos H, Wallenius M, et al. Effects of dietary cold-pressed turnip rapeseed oil and butter on serum lipids, oxidized LDL and arterial elasticity in men with metabolic syndrome. Lipids Health Dis. 2010;9:137. PubMed
  12. Francois CA, Connor SL, Wander RC, Connor WE. Acute effects of dietary fatty acids on the fatty acids of human milk. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;67(2):301-8. PubMed
  13. Salar A, Faghih S, Pishdad GR. Rice bran oil and canola oil improve blood lipids compared to sunflower oil in women with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. J Clin Lipidol. 2016;10(2):299-305. PubMed
  14. Negele L, Schneider B, Ristl R, et al. Effect of a low-fat diet enriched either with rapeseed oil or sunflower oil on plasma lipoproteins in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia. Results of a pilot study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015;69(3 PubMed
  15. Atefi M, Pishdad GR, Faghih S. The effects of canola and olive oils on insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress in women with type 2 diabetes: a randomized and controlled trial. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2018;17(2):85-91. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Product directory

Supplement products with Canola Oil

316 products in our database contain Canola Oil. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Energizing Smoothee Mix Vanilla by Shaklee 180 Powder 25 Ounce(s) · 1.56 Pound(s) · 705 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Energy Greens Natural Lemon-Lime Flavor by Garden Greens Tablet Or Pill 10 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Energy Reds Tart Cherry Flavor by Garden Greens Tablet Or Pill 10 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Fiber'NDurazno Supreme Peach Flavor by OmniLife Powder 15.8 oz. View ingredients & interactions FiveLac Probiotic by Global Health Trax Powder 60 Individual Packet(s) · 3.18 oz. · 90 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Forever Garlic-Thyme by Forever Softgel Capsule 100 Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions Foundation Banana Cream Pie by Arms Race Nutrition Powder 32 Ounce(s) · 2 lb(s) View ingredients & interactions Foundation Chocolate Lava Cake by Arms Race Nutrition Powder 32 Ounce(s) · 2 Pound(s) View ingredients & interactions Foundation Cookies & Cream by Arms Race Nutrition Powder 32 Ounce(s) · 2 lb(s) View ingredients & interactions Fresh Omega Extra Virgin Norwegian Salmon Oil by MRM Softgel Capsule 90 Pesco-Vegetarian Softgels View ingredients & interactions Gainer Chocolate by Muscle Milk Powder 5 lbs · 2268 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Gainer Vanilla Creme by Muscle Milk Powder 10 lbs · 4.54 kg View ingredients & interactions Gingermax by Integrative Therapeutics Softgel Capsule 90 Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions Glowing Skin Plump Berry by OLLY Gummy Or Jelly 120 Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions Gold Standard 100% Whey Cookies & Cream by ON OPtimum Nutrition Powder 1.85 Pound(s) · 837 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Gold Standard 100% Whey Cookies & Cream by ON Optimum Nutrition Powder 4.65 Pound(s) · 2.11 Kilogram(s) View ingredients & interactions Goodbye Stress Berry Verbena by OLLY Gummy Or Jelly 60 Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions Green Superfood Energy Tropical Flavor by Amazing Grass Tablet Or Pill 10 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Green Superfood Hydrate Strawberry Lemonade Flavor by Amazing Grass Tablet Or Pill 10 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Green Superfood Lemon-Lime Flavor by Amazing Grass Tablet Or Pill 60 Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions Gummies by Natures Plus Source of Life Animal Parade Gummy Or Jelly 75 Animal Shaped Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions Gummies by Natures Plus Source of Life Animal Parade Gummy Or Jelly 50 Animal Shaped Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions Gummies by NaturesPlus Animal Parade Gummy Or Jelly 50 Animal Shaped Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions Heavenly Hair Grapefruit Glam by OLLY Gummy Or Jelly 60 Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Canola Oil: Common Questions

What is Canola Oil used for, and does it work?
People use Canola Oil for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Canola Oil for Coronary heart disease (CHD). For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Canola Oil interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Canola Oil. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Canola Oil interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Canola Oil with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Canola Oil interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is canola oil healthy?
Canola oil is low in saturated fat and contains heart-friendly unsaturated fats, so using it in place of butter or lard may fit into a healthy diet. Like all oils, it is high in calories and should be used in moderation.
Is canola oil the same as rapeseed oil?
Canola oil comes from a type of rapeseed plant that was bred to be very low in erucic acid. Food-grade canola oil is considered safe, while older, unmodified rapeseed oils contained higher levels of erucic acid.
Can I take canola oil for its omega-3s?
Canola oil provides a plant-based omega-3 called ALA, but your body converts only a small amount into the active omega-3s found in fish. It is a minor source and not a substitute for fish or fish oil.
Is canola oil safe during pregnancy?
Eating canola oil as a normal part of food is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Concentrated supplement forms are not well studied, so check with your doctor before using them.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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