flax seed

Introduction

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

Adverse effects

• bleeding
• hypoglycemia
• hypotension*

* effect robust in hypertensive patients (15 mm Hg systolic BP reduction when systolic BP > 140 mm Hg)

* effect may not be large enough to cause hypotension

* GRS11 claims flax oil not associated with hypotension

Drug interactions

• antiplatelet agents including NSAIDs
• anticoagulants
• hypoglycemic agents
• lithium carbonate (mania)

Notes

• does not provide the same benefits as fish oil
• 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

More general terms

• food
• pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical

Additional terms

• Linum usitatissimum (flax)

Components

• flax oil (linseed oil)