


Whole ]]>flaxseeds]]> contain another important group of chemicals known as lignans.]]>Lignans]]> are being studied for use in preventing cancer. However, flaxseed oil contains no lignans. ]]>1]]>



Flaxseed oil contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential to health. Although the exact daily requirement of these essential fatty acids is not known, deficiencies are believed to be fairly common. 2]]> Flaxseed oil may be an economical way to ensure that you get enough essential fatty acids in your diet.



Therapeutic Dosages



Therapeutic Uses


Flaxseed oil has been proposed as a less smelly alternative to fish oil for the prevention of heart disease]]> . However, there is as yet no consistent evidence that it works. One double-blind study of 56 people failed to find that flax oil improved ]]>cholesterol profile]]> . ]]>19]]> Other studies did find improvements in cholesterol and/or ]]>blood pressure]]> , but these were small trials and suffered from serious problems in study design. ]]>19-20]]>

One study found that a diet high in ALA (from sources other than flaxseed oil) was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. ]]>6]]> However, there were so many other factors involved that it is hard to say what caused what. ]]>7]]>

]]>Sjogren’s syndrome]]> is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys moisture-producing glands, such as tear glands and salivary glands. It can occur by itself, or in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases, such as ]]>lupus]]> . One small, double-blind study found preliminary evidence that use of flaxseed oil at a dose of 1-2 g daily can improve dry eye symptoms in Sjogren’s syndrome. ]]>21]]>

One very preliminary study hints that flaxseed oil may enhance the effects of conventional treatments for ]]>bipolar disorder]]> when combined with conventional medications. ]]>9]]>

It has been suggested that flaxseed oil may have ]]>anticancer]]> effects due to its ALA and lignan content. However, the supporting evidence for this belief is incomplete and somewhat contradictory (some studies actually found weak evidence of increased cancer risk with higher ALA intake). ]]>11-17]]> Although fish oil appears to be effective for reducing symptoms of ]]>rheumatoid arthritis]]> , one study failed to find flaxseed oil helpful for this purpose. ]]>8]]> One study failed to find flaxseed oil helpful for ]]>preventing premature birth]]> . ]]>18]]>

One small randomized trial found flaxseed oil ineffective for reducing blood sugar in people with ]]>type 2 diabetes]]> . ]]>22]]>


Safety Issues
