Grain germ oils

Fatty oils cold-pressed from various cereal germs. Wheat germs contain about 6-9 %, rye germs 10-12 %, rice germs about 24 % and corn germs 30-50 % fatty oil.

Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamins (especially vitamin E, A, B1, B2, B6, panthothenic acid) and essential fatty acids (Burger A et al. 1993).

The main components of wheat germ oil are polyunsaturated fatty acids. These include omega-6 fatty acids in particular. The vitamin E content is remarkably high at 0.2%-0.3%. Wheat germ oil has only a low oxidation stability.

In cosmetic and medicinal formulations, wheat germ oil is used in wound ointments, skin oils, powders and soaps. It is also used for face packs.

1. Burger A et al. (1993) Hunnius Pharmaceutical Dictionary 7th Edition Walter de Gruyter Berlin-New York p. 604