The emu is a large bird native to Australia. Aboriginal people have relied on emu oil for centuries to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Today this product is used as a dietary supplement, though scientific evidence of its specific health benefits is still under debate.
Production
Emus have a large deposit of subcutaneous fat located along their backs. When the bird is slaughtered for its meat, producers collect this fat deposit to produce emu oil. The fat from an emu contains a large quantity of essential fatty acids, along with other products that are used in health supplements. By boiling this fat, producers can extract these fatty acids in the form of an oily liquid, which is then sold in this liquid state or in a capsule form.
Certification
As emu oil use spread beyond Australia, some producers were using unsanitary methods to boil and render the emu fat. These production techniques led to oil that was full of contaminants or pesticides, and could quickly turn rancid.
In 1997, the American Emu Association (AEA) partnered with the American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) to develop safety standards for emu oil production. The AEA's emu oil guidelines outline three basic grades of oil, with Type A being the most highly refined. Consumers who are concerned about the safety and quality of emu oil products should look for the AEA seal. This seal certifies that the oil was tested by an independent laboratory, with results registered at the AEA.
Benefits
Manufacturers claim a number of health benefits associated with emu oil. The oil is often used in cosmetics and skin care products to add moisture and nutrients to the skin. Others claims it helps with pain relief, particularly for things like sun burn, insect bites, rashes, wrinkles and cellulite. One of the primary claims of emu oil is that it can reduce inflammation to relieve arthritis pain and other chronic pain. Emu oil use is also linked to hair regrowth and cholesterol reduction.
Expert Insight
Many scientific studies have been performed to test the benefits of emu oil. According to an April 23, 1997, study at the University of Queensland in Australia, emu oil was found to be an effective anti-inflammatory treatment when applied to the skin. This study points to the potential benefits of emu oil for arthritis patients.
A 2001 study at the University of Massachusetts by Dr. Robert Nicolosi showed that emu oil had a significant impact on reducing inflammation in mice. This study also showed emu oil could reduce cholesterol and improve absorption of Vitamin E.
Warning
Despite the results of scientific studies on emu oil benefits, users should still use caution before trying this product. In a University of Massachusetts article from early 2010, emu oil researcher Dr. Robert Nicolosi warned readers that there is still no scientific data that emu oil provides health benefits to humans. Based on his research, emu oil does pose some potential health benefits, but these effects must be further studied before emu oil can take the place of more traditional treatments. Dr. Nicolosi further warns that most emu oils on the market are too diluted to provide many of the benefits that manufacturers often claim.
In an April 25, 2010, article, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the public not to buy into emu oil health claims. The FDA also filed a successful lawsuit against one emu oil producer based on unsubstantiated health claims.
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