Guide to Flaxseed Oil Capsules and Soft Gels

If you're thinking of buying flaxseed oil you'll find it available in bottled liquids and capsules.

Flaxseed oil capsules or soft gels is a convenient way to package the oil in a ready-to-use, precise dosage form.

If you've every used the bottled liquids and soft gels you'll find there are advantages and disadvantages of each form.

You'll find most flaxseed oil soft gels or capsules are usually sold in 500 mg. and 1000 mg. dosages.

While most products provide 100% flaxseed oil, you may find some manufacturers will provide additional ingredients.

Here's a breakdown of the fatty acid content in a bottle of flaxseed oil soft gels. You can see flaxseed oil is primarily made up the omega 3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) - 445 mg
• Omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid) - 130 mg
• Omega-9 fatty acids (oleic acid) - 145 mg
• Flaxseed particulate (lignan-rich) - 190 mg

For most flaxseed oil soft gels, you'll find the average amount of alpha linolenic acid per 1000 mg. capsule is about 400 - 500 mg. However you may find different amounts depending on the particular brand.

You can also buy flaxseed oil softgels and capsules mixed with other 'carrier oils' such as pumpkin seed oil and evening primrose oil (high in omega 6 fatty acids).

You should keep the bottles of capsules tightly sealed and stored in a dry place away from excessive heat.

What's so Good about Flaxseed Oil Soft Gels?

Advantages:

• Some people don't like the taste of flaxseed oil but want the health benefits. Flaxseed oil capsules can be easily swallowed without tasting the oil.

• The oil is protected from light exposure and UV radiation.

• Soft gels and capsules help keep the flaxseed oil stable.

• Encapsulation may help minimize free radical formation in the oil.

• May protect the oil from going rancid.

• Soft gels and capsules are tamper-proof. The contents may leak or become discolored if it's been punctured or tampered with.

• Flaxseed oil capsules are easier to take with you to work, the gym or day trip. Simply pop a few in your briefcase or backpack and they're ready to take later in the day.

Disadvantages:

• You may get a smaller dose of flaxseed oil and omega 3 fatty acids per soft gel. One tablespoon of the best flaxseed oil will give you around 7 grams of alpha linolenic acid. You may have to take a dozen 1000 mg. capsules to get the same amount of ALA found in a bottled liquid.

• Higher Cost - The cost per dose may be higher than liquid flaxseed oils when you compare on a gram for gram basis.

• Most soft gels and capsules are made from gelatin. Gelatin is usually made from the connective tissue, skin and bones of animals. If you're vegetarian or vegan, you can find flaxseed oil capsules made with "vegetarian" soft gels made from non-animal sources.

Learn the Secrets to How Soft Gels are Made.

You'll find there are some pretty good brands of flaxseed oil to choose from.

A popular product from Amazon.com is Barlean's Organic Flaxseed Oil Soft gels.

Each dosage of this particular brand provides a variety of healthy fats, including 1335 mg. of Omega 3 fatty acids, 388 mg. of Omega 6 and 437 mg. of Omega 9's.

Prices for flaxseed oil softgels will depend on the dosage and amount per bottle. You'll find average prices for 100 capsules per bottle can range from $15 - $25 for 1000 mg. soft gels. If possible, try to look at the label and see what you're getting per capsule and the cost per capsule.

Here's more flaxseed oil soft gels and capsules available from Amazon.com:

Compare more Flaxseed Oil Capsules from Amazon.com


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