Uses:

Clinical studies suggest that flaxseed oil and other omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in treating a variety of conditions.

High cholesterol

People who follow a Mediterranean diet tend to have an increased HDL, or “good.” cholesterol level. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fish and healthy fats such as olive oil, and has a healthy balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Whole grains, root and green vegetables, daily portions of fruit, fish and poultry, olive and canola oils, and ALA (from flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and walnuts) are also part of the Mediterranean diet. Red meat and saturated fats are not part of the diet.

However, whether taking flaxseed or flaxseed oil as supplement can help lower cholesterol is up for debate. Some small studies show it may but at least one double-blind study found no evidence that it lowered cholesterol.

Heart disease

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts or legumes, and ALA-rich foods may substantially reduce the recurrence of heart disease. One of the best ways to help prevent and treat heart disease is to eat a diet that is low in saturated and trans-fat and rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed and fish). Evidence suggests that people who eat an ALA-rich diet are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack. ALA may reduce heart disease risks through a variety of ways, including making platelets less “sticky,” reducing inflammation, promoting blood vessel health, and reducing risk of arrhythmia (irregular heart beat).

Several human studies also suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (including ALA) may lower blood pressure.

However, it’ s not clear whether taking flaxseed oil as a supplement would have the same effect on heart health.

Sjogren’ s syndrome

One small study found preliminary evidence that taking 1 – 2g of flaxseed per day could improve the symptoms of dry eye in people with Sjogren’ s syndrome. Sjogren’ s syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks glands in the body that produce moisture, like salivary and tear glands.

Dietary Sources:

Flaxseed oil comes from the seed of the flax plant. It contains 50 – 60% omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). That is more than is contained in fish oil, but the body is not very efficient at converting ALA into the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils. So ALA from flaxseed may not have the same benefit as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil.

Available Forms:

Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and softgel capsule forms. Like any oil, flaxseed oil may turn rancid if it is not refrigerated. Flaxseed oil requires special packaging because it is easily destroyed by heat, light, and oxygen. The highest quality flaxseed products are made using fresh pressed seeds, bottled in dark containers, and processed at low temperatures in the absence of light, extreme heat, or oxygen.

Be sure to buy flaxseed oil supplements made by reputable companies who certify that their products are free of heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

How to Take It:

The dose depends on how much fatty acids you get in your diet and which condition you are taking flaxseed oil for.

Pediatric

Talk to your doctor before giving flaxseed oil to a child under 18.

Adult

Flaxseed oil: Take 1 – 2 tablespoonfuls daily, or 1 – 2 capsules daily. Flaxseed oil is often used in a liquid form, which contains approximately 7 grams of ALA per 15 mL (1 tbsp), and contains about 130 calories.

As a substitute for fish oil, a dose of 7.2 grams of flaxseed oil is roughly equal to 1 gram of fish oil.

Precautions:

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Flaxseed may slow down the rate your body absorbs oral medications or other nutrients if taken at the same time. Try to avoid taking flaxseed at the same time as medications and other supplements.

People with diabetes or schizophrenia may not be able to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, the forms more readily used in the body. People with either condition should get omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources rich in EPA and DHA, such as fish.

Although studies have found that eating fish (which contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) regularly may reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a recent study including two large groups of men and women found that diets rich in ALA may substantially increase the risk of this eye disease. More research is needed. Until then, people with macular degeneration should get omega-3 fatty acids from sources of EPA and DHA (such as fish or fish oil), rather than ALA.

Fish and fish oil may protect against prostate cancer, but ALA may be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer in men. More research is needed, but men with prostate cancer should get omega-3 fatty acids from sources of EPA and DHA (such as fish or fish oil), rather than ALA.

Possible Interactions:

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use flaxseed oil (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA) or other omega-3 fatty acids without first talking to your health care provider.

Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) – Omega-3 fatty acids may strengthen the effects of blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and clopedigrel (Plavix). While the combination of aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may help treat heart disease, they should not be taken together without the supervision of a health care provider.

Blood sugar lowering medications – Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements may increase fasting blood sugar levels, which may increase your need for the medication(s). Use omega-3 fatty acid supplements with caution if taking blood sugar lowering medications, such as:

• Glipizide (Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL)
• Glyburide (Micronase or Diabeta)
• Glucophage (Metformin)
• Insulin

Cyclosporine – Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine (Sandimmune) therapy may reduce toxic side effects, such as high blood pressure and kidney damage, associated with this medication in transplant patients.

Etretinate and topical steroids – Adding omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA) to the drug therapy etretinate (Tegison) and topical corticosteroids may improve symptoms of psoriasis.

Cholesterol-lowering medications – Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet may help a group of cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins to work more effectively. They include:

• Atorvastatin (Liptor)
• Lovastatin (Mevacor)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – In an animal study, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of ulcers from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and naproxen (Alleve or Naprosyn). More research is needed to see whether omega-3 fatty acids would have the same effects in people.

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