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flax seed

The seed of Linum usitatissimum (flax) A vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids. Purified oil contains roughly 4 times as much omega-3 fatty acids as flax seed. Uses: - rheumatoid arthritis - asthma - constipation - diabetes mellitus - dyslipidemia - menopausal symptoms - prevention of cardiovascular disease [5] Adverse effects: - bleeding - hypoglycemia - hypotension [5]* * effect robust in hypertensive patients (15 mm Hg systolic BP reduction when systolic BP > 140 mm Hg) [6] * effect may not be large enough to cause hypotension [7] * GRS11 claims flax oil not associated with hypotension [8] Drug interactions: - antiplatelet agents including NSAIDs - anticoagulants - hypoglycemic agents - lithium carbonate (mania) [5] Notes: - does not provide the same benefits as fish oil [3] - does not lower triglycerides - ground flaxseed can modestly reduce serum cholesterol - has not been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk Nutritional information: - 15 g - calories: 90 - total fat: 7 g - saturated fat: 0.5 g - monounsaturated fat: 1.5 g - polyunsaturated fat: 5 g - alpha linolenic acid: 3.9 g (omega-3 fatty acid) - linoleic acid: 1.1 g (omega-6 fatty acid) - total protein: 3 g - total carbohydrate: 4 g

Related

Linum usitatissimum (flax)

General

food pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical

References

  1. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999
  2. http://www.healthfromthesun.com
  3. Prescriber's Letter 16(6): 2009 (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
  4. Prescriber's Letter 16(7): 2009 CHART: Omega Fatty Acids COMMENTARY: Flaxseed: Is It As Beneficial As Fish Oil? Detail-Document#: 250708 (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
  5. Geriatrics at your Fingertips, 13th edition, 2011 Reuben DB et al (eds) American Geriatric Society
  6. Rodriguez-Leyva D, Weighell W, Edel AL et al Potent antihypertensive action of dietary flaxseed in hypertensive patients. Hypertension. 2013 Dec;62(6):1081-1089 PMID: 24126178 Clinical Trial.
  7. Ursoniu S, Sahebkar A, Andrica F et al Effects of flaxseed supplements on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trial. Clin Nutr. 2016 Jun;35(3):615-625 PMID: 26071633 Review.
  8. Geriatric Review Syllabus, 11th edition (GRS11) Harper GM, Lyons WL, Potter JF (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2022

Components

flax oil (linseed oil)