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Flaxseed Oil Side Effects



Are you concerned about flaxseed oil side effects? Flaxseed oil is a healthy oil but here are some things you should know before using it.

When I started using flaxseed oil, I thought that it was safe for everyone to. How dangerous is an oil extracted from flaxseeds? Well, research shows there are flaxseed oil side effects and precautions you need to be aware of:

  1. Flaxseed oil and increased breast cancer risk

    2. There are conflicting studies in this area. Some animal studies show alpha linolenic acid(ALA) in flaxseed oil protects against breast cancer. One study in Toronto found women awaiting breast cancer surgery had slower growing breast tumors when they ate muffins with 25 grams of ground flaxseeds. Other studies showed an increased risk of breast cancer from high amounts of ALA. More research is needed to form any definite conclusions.

  2. Flaxseed oil may affect blood clotting abiltiy

    3. Some researchers believe flaxseed oil affects blood clotting factors. Avoid this possible flaxseed oil side effect by talking to your doctor if you're taking blood thinning medications like Coumadin, Heparin or even aspirin.

  3. Pregnant women should avoid flaxseed oil

    4. Lignans found in flaxseeds and some flaxseed oils contain phytoestrogens (a natural plant-based estrogen) which may encourage menstruation. This may be harmful to your pregnancy. Animal studies found large amounts of flaxseeds might affect the reproductive system.

  4. Avoid flaxseed oil if breastfeeding

    5. Due to the increase in phytoestrogens from flaxseed oil, it's better to err on the side of caution and avoid using this oil while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you wish to take flaxseed oil while breastfeeding.

  5. Avoid using flaxseed oil on infants and young children

    6. There are no documented studies on how flaxseed oil may affect very young children and infants. To be safe, consult your Pediatrician before giving your child flaxseed oil.

  6. Don't apply flaxseed oil to your eyes, open sores or wounds

  7. May cause diarrhea in some individuals

  8. Avoid flaxseed oil side effects if you're allergic to flaxseed or linseeds

    9. A study from Spain found some people have experienced hives, watery eyes, diarrhea, shortness of breath, stuffed up nose, and other allergic reactions from flaxseed oil.

  9. Never heat or cook flaxseed oil

    10. A study from the National Cancer Institute in Maryland found alpha linolenic acid produces benzenes (cancer-causing agent) when exposed to high cooking temperatures. Always store your flaxseed oil in the fridge. Even though you can't cook with flaxseed oil, it makes a great salad dressing.



Conclusions:

Based on this research, there are a few factors to consider if you wish to avoid flaxseed oil side effects.

Although there aren't a lot of documented studies on flaxseed oil side effects, it pays to be cautious with any natural supplement.

Flaxseed oil is an excellent plant-based source of Omega 3 fatty acids. We need these essential fatty acids to function properly. Proper use of this healthful natural oil will go a long way to giving you the results you seek.




Research References:

Dietary flaxseed alters tumor biological markers in postmenopausal breast cancer. Thompson LU, Chen JM, Li T et al. Department of Nutritional Sciences, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada Clinical Cancer Research. 2005 May 15;11(10):3828-35.

Influence of n-3 fatty acids on the growth of human breast cancer cells in vitro: relationship to peroxides and vitamin E. Chajes V, Sattler W, Stranzl A, Kostner GM. Institute of Medical Biochemistry, University of Graz, Austria Breast Cancer Research & Treatment 1995;34:199–212.

Flaxseed and its lignan and oil components reduce mammary tumor growth at a late stage of carcinogenesis. Thompson LU, Rickard SE, Orcheson LJ, Seidl MM. Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada. Carcinogenesis 1996;17:1373–6.

Flaxseed and its lignan precursor, secoisolariciresinol diglycoside, affect pregnancy outcome and reproductive development in rats. Tou JC, Chen J, Thompson LU. Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Canada. The Journal of Nutrition 1998;128:1861–8.

Alpha-linolenic acid content of adipose breast tissue: a host determinant of the risk of early metastasis in breast cancer. Bougnoix P. Breast Journal Cancer 1994;70:330–40.

Anaphylaxis caused by linseed (flaxseed) intake. Alonso L, Marcos ML, Blanco JG, et al. Seccion Alergologia, Hospital General Yague, Burgos, Spain. The Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology 1996;98:469–70.

Mutagens from heated Chinese and U.S. cooking oils. Shields PG, Xu GX, Blot WJ, et al Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md USA. Journal of National Cancer Institue 1995;87:836–41.




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