Flax seeds: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Cultivated flax
Scientific name(s)
Linum usitatissimum
Family or group:
Fatty Acids, Superfood, Plants
Active ingredients:
Alpha-linolenic Acid
Linoleic Acid
Oleic Acid
Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside (SDG)
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
Flaxseed is an important source of dietary fiber and has a laxative effect. In a clinical trial in healthy young adults, muffins containing 25 g of ground flaxseed, consumed twice daily for 4 weeks, increased weekly bowel movements by 30% compared with a control group. Other clinical research in diabetic patients with constipation shows that taking 10 g of flaxseed twice daily for 12 weeks improves stool form and moderately reduces constipation compared with placebo.
Posologie
Oral: seed
15 - 50 g
powder, seeds
The effects of flaxseed dietary supplement on lipid profile, bone mineral density, and symptoms in menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, wheat germ placebo-controlled clinical trial
Yogurt containing galacto-oligosaccharides, prunes, and flaxseed reduces the severity of mild constipation in elderly subjects
Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: A randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes
Nutritional attributes of traditional flaxseed in healthy young adults
Hypercholesterolemia ✪✪✪✪✪
Most research shows that daily intake of 20 to 50 g of flaxseed reduces total cholesterol by 5 to 15% and LDL cholesterol by 8 to 18% in various populations, including those with normal cholesterol levels, patients with hypercholesterolemia, postmenopausal women, and patients with or at risk for cardiovascular disease. Although some studies have shown that flaxseed preparations do not affect triglyceride levels, a large meta-analysis — when analyzing subgroups — shows that flaxseed consumption does indeed reduce triglyceride levels in overweight or obese patients, or those with high baseline triglyceride levels.
Posologie
Oral: seed
20 - 50 g
powder, seeds
Flaxseed improves lipid profile without altering biomarkers of bone metabolism in postmenopausal women
Dietary flaxseed independently lowers circulating cholesterol and lowers it beyond the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications alone in patients with peripheral artery disease
Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: A randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes
Reducing atherogenic risk in hyperlipemic humans with flax seed supplementation: a preliminary report
Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipids
Effect of Flaxseed Powder on Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Dyslipidemic and Hypertensive Patients
High alpha-linolenic acid flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum): some nutritional properties in humans
Flaxseed Supplementation Improves Anthropometric measurements, Metabolic, and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Overweight and Obese Adults
High blood pressure ✪✪✪✪✪
Meta-analyses of clinical research show that flaxseed is effective in reducing blood pressure; however, the magnitude, dose, and most effective form remain to be determined. According to a subgroup analysis, consumption of ground flaxseed was effective in reducing both diastolic and systolic blood pressure, flaxseed oil was effective in reducing only diastolic blood pressure, while flaxseed lignan extract showed no effect on hypertension.
Posologie
Oral: seed
30 - 60 g
powder, seeds
Type 2 diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Flaxseed may improve blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Effects appear to be greater with consumption of whole flaxseeds, in those who have higher baseline blood glucose and insulin levels, and when used for at least 12 weeks. Patients receiving flaxseed oil also demonstrated improvements in markers of insulin metabolism and inflammation. A meta-analysis of 25 clinical trials involving 1,879 patients shows that whole flaxseed can reduce blood glucose compared with control treatments such as wheat germ or uncooked rice. Another recent meta-analysis of 7 clinical trials shows that taking flaxseeds, typically ground, at doses of 13 to 40 g per day for 8 to 12 weeks has a modest beneficial effect on fasting blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), compared with no intervention or using another source of fiber. Other studies have shown that using a standardized flax lignan extract 600 mg three times daily, providing 360 mg of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), reduces HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes, but does not appear to improve fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, or insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, there is a beneficial effect of flax seeds in preventing diabetes complications. Indeed, a high dietary intake of ALA has been associated with a lower risk of peripheral neuropathy.
Posologie
By mouth: seed
10 - 60 g
powder, SDG-standardized extract, oil, seeds
Effects of a flaxseed-derived lignan supplement in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial
Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: A randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes
Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
An open-label study on the effect of flax seed powder (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation in the management of diabetes mellitus
Flaxseed supplementation improved insulin resistance in obese glucose intolerant people: a randomized crossover design
Daily flaxseed consumption improves glycemic control in obese men and women with pre-diabetes: a randomized study
Effects of a flaxseed-derived lignan supplement on C-reactive protein, IL-6 and retinol-binding protein 4 in type 2 diabetic patients
Mastalgia ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking 25 g of flaxseed powder per day for 2 months reduces breast pain intensity by approximately 72% and pain duration by 60% compared with baseline in healthy women suffering from cyclic mastalgia; compared with placebo.
Posologie
Oral: seed
25 g
powder
Obesity ✪✪✪✪✪
Supplementation with flaxseed, but not with lignan extract or flaxseed oil, appears to be modestly beneficial for obese or overweight patients. nnIndividual clinical studies and a meta-analysis of 45 trials involving 2,561 patients show that consumption of flaxseed reduces body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. nnAccording to a meta-analysis, body weight is reduced by an average of 1.75 kg, BMI by an average of 0.63 kg/m2, and waist circumference by an average of 1.21 cm compared with control in adults, most of whom were overweight or obese at baseline. The greatest benefit is observed in adults with a baseline BMI greater than or equal to 27. Consumption of at least 30 g of flaxseed per day for at least 12 weeks demonstrated the greatest effectiveness. nnFlax lignan extract and flaxseed oil do not appear to be effective for reducing weight, BMI, or waist circumference.nn
Posologie
Oral: seed
30 g
12 - weeks
seeds
Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: A randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes
Flaxseed Supplementation Improves Anthropometric measurements, Metabolic, and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Overweight and Obese Adults
Cardiovascular diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological evidence for the prevention of secondary coronary events due to ALA, in the context of a modified Mediterranean diet, supports the hypothesis of prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease. In secondary prevention trials, such as the Lyon Diet Heart Study (1999), which reports the effects of the Mediterranean diet, ALA has been shown to have a significant cardioprotective effect, with a reduction in the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction, fatal and non-fatal, and a significant 73% reduction in the risk of major cardiac mortality and morbidity endpoints. Researchers suggest that the omega-3 component ALA in the oil contributes to the anti-atherogenic effect through anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative mechanisms. They suggest that dietary flaxseed may also protect against ischemic heart disease by improving vascular relaxation responses and by inhibiting the incidence of ventricular fibrillation.
Posologie
Orally: seed
2 - 5 g
oil
Effects of hempseed and flaxseed oils on the profile of serum lipids, serum total and lipoprotein lipid concentrations and hemostatic factors
Mediterranean diet, traditional risk factors, and the rate of cardiovascular complications after myocardial infarction: final report of the Lyon Diet Heart Study
The cardiovascular effects of flaxseed and its omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid
Experimental and clinical research findings on the cardiovascular benefits of consuming flaxseed
Prostate cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research suggests that flaxseed may affect the prostate and prostate cancer markers. The addition of ground flaxseed at a dose of 30 g per day, combined with a low-fat diet, reduces prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a precancerous proliferation of prostatic epithelial cells. It also appears to slow the proliferation of the prostatic epithelium. Population studies also suggest that dietary lignan intake is associated with a decreased risk of developing prostate cancer. Flaxseed is one of the most important sources of lignans. However, no research has specifically evaluated the effect of flaxseed consumption on prostate cancer risk.
Posologie
Oral: seed
30 g
powder
Pilot study of dietary fat restriction and flaxseed supplementation in men with prostate cancer before surgery: exploring the effects on hormonal levels, prostate-specific antigen, and histopathologic features
Pilot study to explore effects of low-fat, flaxseed-supplemented diet on proliferation of benign prostatic epithelium and prostate-specific antigen
Flaxseed supplementation (not dietary fat restriction) reduces prostate cancer proliferation rates in men presurgery
Breast cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Large population studies suggest that a high intake of dietary lignans is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. One population study suggests that lignan intake is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women, but not in postmenopausal women. Consuming 25 g of ground flaxseed per day for about 40 days markedly reduces markers of tumor cell proliferation in women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. However, the effect of flaxseed consumption on breast cancer outcomes is unknown.
Posologie
Oral: seed
25 g
40 - days
powder
Dietary phytoestrogen intake--lignans and isoflavones--and breast cancer risk (Canada)
Enterolactone is differently associated with estrogen receptor beta-negative and -positive breast cancer in a Swedish nested case-control study
Dietary flavonoid intake and breast cancer risk among women on Long Island
Dietary phytoestrogens are not associated with risk of overall breast cancer but diets rich in coumestrol are inversely associated with risk of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor negative breast tumors in Swedish women
Plasma phytoestrogens and subsequent breast cancer risk
Adolescent dietary phytoestrogen intake and breast cancer risk (Canada)
Dietary lignans and postmenopausal breast cancer risk by oestrogen receptor status: a prospective cohort study of Swedish women
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research conducted on patients with ulcerative colitis shows that taking 30 g of ground flaxseed per day for 12 weeks reduces disease severity and improves quality of life compared with control. Preliminary clinical research conducted on patients with ulcerative colitis shows that taking 10 g of flaxseed oil per day for 12 weeks improves disease symptoms and quality of life compared with control.
Posologie
Oral: seed
30 g
12 - weeks
powder, oil
Menopause ✪✪✪✪✪
The evidence regarding the effect of flaxseed on menopausal symptoms has been contradictory. Some randomized clinical trials have reported significant reductions in hot flashes after 12 weeks of treatment. Other studies conclude that flaxseed was not found to be effective in reducing the severity or frequency of hot flashes. Biomarkers of estrogenic effects (endometrial thickness or vaginal epithelium) did not change during these trials.
Posologie
Oral: seed
25 g
powder
Flaxseed dietary supplement versus hormone replacement therapy in hypercholesterolemic menopausal women
Flaxseed improves lipid profile without altering biomarkers of bone metabolism in postmenopausal women
Evaluation of the efficacy of flaxseed meal and flaxseed extract in reducing menopausal symptoms
A phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of flaxseed for the treatment of hot flashes: North Central Cancer Treatment Group N08C7
Vascular disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
In a 12-week study conducted on healthy subjects aged 55 to 75 years, low levels of ALA (equivalent to approximately 5 ml/day of flaxseed oil) were shown to reduce certain markers of endothelial activation. nnEndothelial activation is a pro-inflammatory and procoagulant state of the endothelial cells that line the lumen of blood vessels, and it is associated with the early stages of atherosclerosis and is also involved in the formation of deep vein thromboses.nn
Posologie
Oral: seed
5 g
oil
Effect of flaxseed oil supplementation on anthropometric and metabolic indices in patients with coronary artery disease: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial
Dietary linolenic acid is inversely associated with calcified atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study.
A comparison between the effects of flaxseed oil and fish oil supplementation on cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary heart disease: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Influence of dietary supplementation with long-chain n-3 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on blood inflammatory cell populations and functions and on plasma soluble adhesion molecules in healthy adults
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a flaxseed lignan extract, at a dose of 300 mg or 600 mg per day for 4 months, significantly reduces lower urinary tract symptom scores as well as quality-of-life scores, compared with placebo, in men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia. These results remain to be confirmed.
Posologie
Oral: seed
1 - 2 g
Extract standardized in SDG
Digestive disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Mucilage appeared to have a palliative effect in patients suffering from pain associated with gastrointestinal problems. In an open pilot study, 70 patients with various functional disorders of the upper abdomen, such as sensations of pressure and fullness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and cardiac disturbances, were treated with an aqueous preparation of flaxseed mucilage (1:10) at a dose of 8 x 25 g per day. All patients except three experienced improvements. After three days, the total symptom score had decreased significantly. The score for each individual symptom decreased on average, with the largest reductions observed for the sensation of pressure (41.5%) and the sensation of fullness (36.8%). In global evaluations, by both patients and physicians, efficacy was judged good or very good in most cases.
Posologie
Oral: seed
5 - 10 g
Seeds
Irritable bowel syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Flax seeds are most frequently used for irritable bowel syndrome but also for inflammation of the intestine caused by excessive laxative use. At this stage there is no scientific evidence to support these traditional uses.
Posologie
Oral: seed
24 g
powder
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Supportive treatment for symptoms of painful skin inflammation. Efficacy is plausible based on human experience and long-standing use.
Posologie
Oral: seed
30 - 50 g
poultice
Properties
Cardiovascular
Flax seeds are used for atherosclerosis because they can reduce platelet aggregation and serum cholesterol and could thus decrease atherogenic risks. Flax seeds also contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which may help reduce serum cholesterol. Because ALA can be converted into long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) in humans, it could potentially reproduce the beneficial effects of fish oils. It has been shown that ALA has a significant cardioprotective effect, with a reduction in the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction, both fatal and nonfatal, and a significant reduction in the risk of major measures of cardiac mortality and morbidity. It has been suggested that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flaxseed oil contributes to the anti-atherogenic effect via anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative mechanisms.
Usages associés
Digestive effect
Mucilage may have a palliative effect in patients suffering from pain associated with gastrointestinal problems. In an open pilot study, 70 patients suffering from various functional disorders of the upper abdomen, such as sensations of pressure and fullness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and cardiac disturbances, were treated with an aqueous preparation of flaxseed mucilage (1:10) at a dose of 8 x 25 g per day. All patients except three experienced improvements. After three days, the total symptom score had decreased markedly. The score for each individual symptom decreased on average, with the largest reductions observed for the feeling of pressure (41.5%) and the feeling of fullness (36.8%). In overall assessments, by both patients and physicians, efficacy was judged to be good or very good in most cases.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol are metabolized by intestinal bacteria of mammalian gut flora into enterolignans, respectively enterodiol and enterolactone. Because of their structure related to that of estradiol, enterolignans act as selective estrogen receptor modulators. They are referred to as SERMs (specific estrogen receptor modulators).nnDepending on the nature of the phytoestrogen (PE), and on the ratio of PE/estrogen concentrations, enterolignans can then act:nn- as agonists, by mimicking the binding of estrogens, but with different effects depending on subsequent interaction with activators or inhibitors of transcription of certain genes.nn- as antagonists, by preventing estrogen binding and thus inhibiting its receptor-mediated action.nnThey can therefore inhibit the proliferative effect of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells by competitively reducing the binding of endogenous estrogens to estrogen receptors, which would result in an anti-estrogen effect.nnIn a systematic review [Flower 2014] including 2 randomized controlled trials, 2 uncontrolled trials, one biomarker study and 5 observational studies, flaxseed (25 g/day) increased the tumor apoptotic index and decreased HER2 expression and cell proliferation in women recently diagnosed with breast cancer compared with placebo. nnThe uncontrolled and biomarker studies suggested beneficial effects on cell proliferation, atypical cytomorphology and mammographic density, as well as potential antiangiogenic activity at doses of 25 g of ground flaxseed or 50 mg of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) per day. nnTurning to prostate cancer, clinical research shows that flaxseed (30 g/day) can affect the prostate by reducing prostate cancer markers, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and by slowing the proliferation of the prostate epithelium. nnAlthough the mechanism of action is not clear, in men, urinary enterolignan levels are correlated with a reduction in prostate cancer cell proliferation, suggesting a possible role for enterolignans derived from flax lignans.nn
Usages associés
Laxative
Dietary fibers such as flax seeds bind to water and swell to form a demulsifying gel in the intestine. Because the water bound to these fibers cannot be absorbed in the colon, the stools are softened and the volume of intestinal contents increases. A decrease in transit time and an increase in stool weight due to physical stimulation of intestinal peristalsis with flax seeds were demonstrated in two multicenter studies (n=108 and n=114) in patients suffering from constipation.
Usages associés
Estrogenic action
Lignans are phytoestrogens with weak estrogenic and possibly anti-estrogenic effects. Serum concentrations and urinary excretion of lignans can increase to varying degrees when people consume large amounts of flaxseed and other lignan-containing foods. Lignans share certain structural similarities with endogenous estrogens; each has a diphenolic cyclic structure. Flaxseed lignans alter estrogen metabolism to produce less active estrogen metabolites. In an open, randomized, crossover study involving 18 women with normal cycles, the effects of ingesting flaxseed powder on the menstrual cycle were examined. Each subject consumed her usual omnivorous, low-fiber diet (control) for 3 cycles and her usual diet supplemented with flaxseed (10 g/day) for 3 additional cycles. During the 36 control cycles, 3 anovulatory cycles occurred, compared with none during the 36 flaxseed cycles. Compared with ovulatory control cycles, the ovulatory flaxseed cycles were consistently associated with longer luteal phase (LP) lengths (mean 12.6 vs. 11.4 days). There were no significant differences between the flaxseed cycles and the control cycles with respect to estradiol or estrone concentrations during the early follicular phase, mid-follicular phase, or the LP. Although flaxseed ingestion did not have a significant effect on luteal phase progesterone concentrations, luteal phase progesterone/estradiol ratios were significantly higher during the flaxseed cycles. Mid-follicular phase testosterone concentrations were slightly higher during the flaxseed cycles. Flaxseed ingestion had no effect on DHEA-S, PRL, or SHBG concentrations at the beginning of the follicular phase.
Usages associés
Hypolipidemic
Flaxseed, at a daily dose ranging from 20 to 50 g, can significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C. The cholesterol-lowering effects were more apparent in women (particularly postmenopausal women) and in individuals with a high baseline cholesterol level. No significant change was observed in HDL-C and triglyceride concentrations. Whole flaxseed is the most commonly studied form in lipid-reduction studies, because the high fiber content and ALA were thought to act synergistically, which is why there are relatively few studies using oil alone. Those conducted with the oil have produced conflicting results. At worst, the oil caused an increase in fasting triacylglycerol concentrations and a decrease in HDL cholesterol. At best, it has been described in earlier studies as having effects comparable to bioequivalent doses of fish oils.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
ALA (in flaxseed oil) suppresses AA production by interfering with the conversion of LA to AA (arachidonic acid), and reduces the biosynthesis of inflammatory eicosanoids, though not to the same extent as EPA and DHA. Cytokines, another important group of inflammatory mediators, are generated in response to these eicosanoids and are influenced by changes in the omega-3/omega-6 ratios in cell membranes. In one study, consumption of flaxseed oil (equivalent to 13.7 g/day of ALA) for 4 weeks by healthy male subjects resulted in a 30% reduction in TNF-alpha, a 31% reduction in IL-1-beta, a 29% reduction in thromboxane B(2), and a 30% reduction in PGE2. Also, a number of studies have confirmed that high-dose flaxseed oil consumption reduces endothelial inflammation. Flaxseed has been shown to improve inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein and interleukin (IL)-6, as well as certain adhesion markers. The anti-inflammatory effects of flaxseed may help protect against cardiovascular disease and other metabolic diseases.
Usages associés
Antihypertensive
A meta-analysis of 15 trials with 1,302 participants after supplementation with various flaxseed-based products showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The reduction in SBP was significant with flaxseed powder but not with the oil or the lignan extract. However, DBP was significantly reduced with powder and oil preparations but not with the lignan extract.
Usages associés
Vascular effect
In a 12-week study conducted on healthy subjects aged 55 to 75 years, low levels of ALA (equivalent to about 5 ml/day of flaxseed oil) were shown to decrease certain markers of endothelial activation. Specifically, ALA reduced plasma concentrations of soluble VCAM-1 by 16% and soluble E-selectin by 23%.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
Viscous dietary fibers can delay gastric emptying, as shown by some studies on non–insulin-dependent diabetic volunteers. The addition of certain types of dietary fiber to the diet significantly reduced postprandial hyperglycemia. The postprandial glycemic response to a 50 g carbohydrate load given in the form of flaxseed bread is 27% lower than that of ordinary white bread. Flaxseed also appears to lower insulin levels in postmenopausal women and to reduce insulin levels and blood glucose in adults.
Usages associés
Flaxseed supplementation significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Safe dosage
Adults 12 years and older: 5 g - 60 g (powder)
- As a laxative: 5 g of whole seeds, finely cracked or freshly crushed, soaked in water and taken with a glass of liquid three times a day. The effect begins 18 to 24 hours later. - Supportive treatment for dyslipidemia and hypertension: 20 to 50 g per day. - As an emollient for gastritis and/or enteritis: for a mucilaginous preparation, soak 5–10 g of whole flax seeds in 150 ml of water and strain after 20–30 minutes - Topical use: 30–50 g of crushed or powdered seeds (may be defatted) as a poultice or hot compress Because of the gradual mode of action of laxatives, treatment should be continued for at least 2 to 3 days to ensure optimal benefit. Flax seeds (whole, finely cracked, or freshly ground) should be soaked and taken with additional liquid, otherwise lumping and intestinal obstruction can occur. For example: 15 g of crushed or ground flax seeds to be taken in several doses. The last dose should be taken around 4:00 PM. Soak the seeds beforehand in a large volume of water (150 ml) for about twenty minutes, swallow everything, and drink one or two additional glasses of water.
Adults 12 years and older: 2 g - 5 g (oil)
- Anticoagulation: 5.9 g/day of ALA. - Improvement of endothelial function: 2 g/day of ALA - Lipid balance: 60 ml/day of flaxseed oil. - Prevention of coronary heart disease: 1-3 g/day ALA. Product quality is a key element of flaxseed oil supplementation. Due to the high potential for oil oxidation, it is recommended to use only refrigerated oils packaged in opaque containers. Once opened, the product should be consumed within a few weeks of opening and stored in the refrigerator.
Children 6 to 12 years:
Half of the adult dose.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: low interaction
Flaxseed oil can decrease platelet aggregation. Caution with concurrent use of aspirin, clopidogrel, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin...
Antidiabetic agents: low interaction
It is important to closely monitor blood glucose levels when antidiabetic medications and flaxseed are taken simultaneously.
Precautions
Children up to 6 years: use with caution
Use under medical supervision
Pregnant women: avoid
There is a lack of sufficient data. In line with general medical practice, the product should not be used during pregnancy without medical advice.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
There is not enough data.
Bleeding disorders: avoid
There is evidence that the oil in flaxseed can decrease platelet aggregation. In theory, flaxseed could increase the risk of bleeding in patients with bleeding disorders; use with caution.
Contraindications
Intestinal obstruction: contraindicated
People with an intestinal obstruction, esophageal narrowing, or acute intestinal inflammation should avoid consuming large amounts of flaxseed. The risk is reduced if flaxseed is consumed with an adequate amount of liquid.
