wheat germ oil
Oils & Fats
Is wheat germ oil high in polyols?
Is wheat germ oil high or low in polyols? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.
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Compare wheat germ oil across criteria
Sensitivity notes
Why polyols food checker matters
Polyols (sugar alcohols) are found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, and are used as artificial sweeteners. They're poorly absorbed and can cause digestive symptoms, especially in IBS sufferers.
- Avoid sugar-free products with sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol
- Stone fruits are naturally high in polyols
- Cooking doesn't reduce polyol content
- Avocado portion size matters - small amounts may be fine
- Cauliflower and mushrooms are common triggers
Sensitivities
What wheat germ oil contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where wheat germ oil fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil is cold pressed from the germ, the embryo of the wheat kernel, and it is unusual on two counts. It is the richest common dietary source of vitamin E, by a wide margin, and it is so unstable that it is sold refrigerated in small bottles and is essentially unusable for cooking. It is a supplement and a finishing oil rather than a kitchen staple. The question it exists to answer here is the gluten one, and the answer is more careful than a simple yes or no, which is why this row grades moderate rather than clean on gluten.
Watch for
- Gluten grades moderate rather than clean, and that grade is defensible.Gluten is a protein and pure oil contains essentially none, but wheat germ oil is cold pressed and unrefined, it is pressed from a wheat fraction, and the equipment is a wheat processing line. For coeliac disease that combination is a reason for caution rather than reassurance.
- It oxidises faster than almost any other edible oil, because it is very high in polyunsaturated fat and the vitamin E only slows the process.Keep it refrigerated, buy small, and discard it when it smells of old paint.
- Do not cook with it.Heat destroys the vitamin E that is the reason to buy it and accelerates the rancidity it is already prone to.
- It is often sold as a supplement in capsules for the vitamin E, which is a different product and a different dose from a bottle used as a dressing oil.
- Not AIP compliant, since the autoimmune protocol excludes grain derived oils.
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Polyols Guide
Everything you need to know about polyols sensitivity and smart food choices.
Polyols (sugar alcohols) are found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, and are used as artificial sweeteners. They're poorly absorbed and can cause digestive symptoms, especially in IBS sufferers.
Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.
These foods are generally well-tolerated for Polyols sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in polyols and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Polyols, consider these strategies:
- 1Avoid sugar-free products with sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol
- 2Stone fruits are naturally high in polyols
- 3Cooking doesn't reduce polyol content
- 4Avocado portion size matters - small amounts may be fine
- 5Cauliflower and mushrooms are common triggers
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
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Get the AppFAQ
Is wheat germ oil high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat wheat germ oil if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check AIP, Paleo, and Gastroparesis Diet next for a fuller picture.