Supplements

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) constitute one of two major families of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the other family being omega-6 (n-6). ALA is the parent substance of the n-3 fatty acid family. Linolenic acid is the parent substance for the n-6 fatty acid family.

These two families have very different biochemical roles in the body. ALA is an essential fatty acid and is necessary for the normal function of all tissues. Through a series of steps, it is metabolized to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that help regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, heart rate, vascular dilation, lipolysis, and immune response.

Flaxseed oil protects the cardiovascular system by deterring the clotting tendency of platelets, lowering cholesterol, and reducing blood pressure.

The entire flax seed itself is an excellent source of fiber. Plus, flaxmeal contains cancer-opposing compounds called lignans, which work to deactivate the more cell-stimulating forms of estrogen.

Women consuming lignan-rich flaxseed oil products generally report a reduction in breast tenderness, bloating, hot flashes and other symptoms related to PMS and menopause. Lignans in flaxseed also regulate the menstrual cycle.

Lignans in flaxseed oil posses anti-tumor and anti-estrogenic abilities. The National Cancer Institute has begun to focus on diet as a preventative measure to avoid certain cancers. The result of ingesting lignans is a flushing of excess estrogen (linked to high incidence of colon and breast cancer) from the body.

In addition to lignans' anti-tumor and estrogen mimicking capabilities, they have also been found to be powerful antioxidants, possessing anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

Unlike medications that interfere with prostaglandin metabolism, omega-3 oils naturally temper the inflammatory prostaglandins resulting in a decrease in painful inflammation. Omega-3 oils have been found to augment the immune system, lessening the severity of auto-immune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Two types of fatty acids are considered essential. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids cannot be synthesized in the body, and must be obtained from the diet. Flax is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid.

The omega-6 fatty acids are distributed evenly in most tissues, but omega-3 fatty acids are concentrated in a few tissues including the brain. Learning specialists now believe omega-3 fatty acid deficiency leads to unique symptoms during childhood, including behavioral problems.

In 1981, researchers first hypothesized that children with ADHD may have a reduced nutritional status of essential fatty acids because they showed greater thirst (a symptom of essential fatty acid deficiency) compared to children with ADHD.

Another study in 1983 confirmed that EFA blood levels in poorly behaved children were significantly lower than in their normal counterparts. In a study of 48 children with ADHD, done in 1987, researchers found that these children had significantly lower levels of two omega-6 fatty acids and one omega-3 fatty acid.

Flaxseed oil may be a safer alternative to fish oil supplements in diabetics with altered lipid metabolism. High doses of fish oils have been shown to increase blood lipids and worsen blood sugar control in some individuals. However, some Type II diabetics may have low delta-6-desaturase activity, which prevents them from efficiently converting ALA to EPA in the body; flaxseed oil may not be an effective therapy in these individuals.

Deficiency: ADHD, behavior problems, great thirst, frequent urination

Precautions: There are no side effects or toxicity associated with increased intake of flaxseed oil.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: To maintain a vegetable-based omega-3 presence in the body, 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of flaxseed daily. For therapeutic effects, you made need to take up to 3 tablespoons per day.

• Heat, light, and oxygen easily destroy flaxseed oil.
• For optimal stability, seeds should be fresh pressed at low temperatures in the absence of light, extreme heat, or oxygen.
• Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and softgel capsule form, and should be refrigerated to prevent rancidity.
• Liquids require bottling in nonreactive, opaque or dark containers to prevent transmission of light. Capsules require similar packaging.
• Flaxseed oil can be used on salads and cooked vegetables or added to foods after they have been cooked. Flaxseed oil should not be heated since this destroys its anti-inflammatory qualities.

INTERACTIONS

No clinically significant interactions between flaxseed oil and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date, including the German Commission E monograph (Blumenthal 1998).

Although clinical relevance is unknown, flaxseed oil may interfere with the absorption of certain medications; therefore, ingestion of flaxseed oil several hours before or after other herbs or medications may be warranted. Please see monograph on Alpha Linolenic Acid for additional information regarding that active ingredient.