FlaxSeed Oil To Clare

July 1, 2009

Orally, flaxseed oil is used as a laxative for constipation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, anxiety, breast cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, vaginitis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), diabetes, weight loss, cardiovascular disease, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and dry eyes.

July 1, 2009

Side Effects of Flaxseed OilFlaxseed Oil has been hyped as great nutritional supplement over the years without understanding its adverse side effects. One has to be cautious of the side effects of Flaxseed Oil before taking it as there is no substantial proof of its so called medicinal wonders.

Enlarge ImageFlax seed Oil was introduced in mid 80s as a nutritional supplement. Since then, it has been used to provide assistance in connection with number of ailments. Since its emergence in medicinal sphere, it has been propagated as a remedy for number of diseases, conditions. However, the studies carried out in this regard can never support all these overblown claims substantially. One can’t overlook the side effects of flaxseed oil.

Flaxseed Oil Flax seed Oil is obtained from the seeds of the blue flowering plant which are also called as linseed. These seeds- Flaxseed or linseed are one of the known richest sources of omega3 fatty acids, fiber and lignan. Due to the medicinal values of these ingredients, it has been used in numerous ailments and conditions like cardiac problems or served as anti-inflammatory agent. However Flaxseed Oil derived from these flaxseeds contains only omega 3 fatty acids and very small percentage of lignan.

Side Effects of Flaxseed Oil No doubt, flaxseed oil is the richest plant source of omega3 fatty acids, in specific- omega3 alpha linolenic acid. But in a quest to boost its sale, the significance of flaxseed oil is hyped by the promoters to such an extent that they suppressed the side effects of it, giving rise to multiple myths about its benefits.

1. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of the main constituent of Omega 3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA) found in flaxseed oil and contributes greatly towards the amazing medicinal properties of flaxseed oil. But the amount of EPA present in flaxseed oil is very low. Only 1% of the total omega3 alpha linolenic acid gets converted into EPA during metabolism. Compared to this percentage, omega 3 rich fish oil has better percentage of conversion during metabolism.

2. According to the study published in ‘American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’ flaxseed oil is found very less effective against inflammatory conditions. Generally, flaxseed oil has been considered to be anti-inflammatory agent. But few more studies reveal the shocking truth that it actually increases inflammation in most of the cases.

3. There is an ongoing debate over the controversial role flaxseed oil plays in cases of prostate cancer. Although, very limited research has been carried out in this aspect, few studies are pointing out alpha linolenic acid as one of the stimulant to prostate cancer.

When studies regarding effects of dietary habits on prostate cancer risks are carried out, researchers highly suspect that there is a connection between the increased levels of alpha linolenic acid and prostate cancer. Another study also reveals that there is a considerable a low in the prostate specific antigen in blood of persons given fat diet-fat with flaxseed oil.

Thus although unclear, there are lot of reasons to believe that flaxseed oil may have a role in development of prostate cancer. 4. A preliminary study has suggested that high dietary alpha linolenic acid has increased the risk of breast cancer. Another study in this regard has pointed out that less advanced breast cancer is associated with higher breast tissue levels of ALA during diagnosis.

5. If there is a possibility of intestine obstruction, flaxseed oil should not be ingested. People suffering from scleroderma, a kind of systemic sclerosis should avoid the use of flaxseed oil. Although, it is believed that a gradual induction of flaxseed oil improves the bowel movements in some cases, many times people suffering from scleroderma have reported of experiencing severe constipation and in few cases, even bowel obstruction after ingestion of flaxseed oil.

6. Animal studies have indicated that if large intake of flaxseed oil has been taken during pregnancy, then it may hamper the development of thereproductive system in its embryonic stage. 7. It is believed that inclusion of flaxseed oil improves the condition of diabetes. However, the positive effects of flaxseed on blood glucose levels are not supported by any substantial medical research. In fact, in some cases, adverse effects have been reported.

8. If taken in large amounts, it has adverse effects like flatulence and loose stools. 9. Few laboratory and animal studies are carried out to find out the effects of flaxseed oil consumption in conjunction with blood triglyceride levels. Effects on blood triglyceride levels in animals are unclear; in some cases results came with increased levels of triglyceride, and decreased levels in other research. In human studies carried out in this area gave again mixed results, with decreased levels in some studies, but no effect in other studies.

Besides these side effects, the reports of other researches on effects of flaxseed oil in other treatments are quite confusing and not conclusive. There has been general lack of full fledged research in this regard. Hence, the hyped claims can’t be supported and recommended.

By Jayashree Pakhare

Published: 3/15/2007