Are you worried about flaxseed oil side effects?
Flaxseed oil is a natural oil and it's an excellent source of plant-based omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fats offer many health benefits, such as fighting inflammation, reducing your risk for blood clots and may improve mood and learning function in children.
There are currently no published studies looking at adverse side effects directly attributed to ingesting flaxseed oil. However, there are some things you should be aware of before you start supplementing your diet with this healthy oil.
The majority of published research looks at:
When I started using flaxseed oil, I thought that it was generally safe for everyone to use and I didn't think twice about side effects. However, research shows that when a diet includes flaxseed oil there may be side effects you need to be aware of.
There are conflicting studies in this area. Some animal studies show alpha linolenic acid(ALA) in flaxseed oil protects against breast cancer and a 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.
Some researchers believe flaxseed oil may affect blood clotting factors. This can be particularly worrisome for individuals who are taking blood thinning medications such as Coumadin, Heparin or even aspirin. If you wish to take flaxseed oil, and you're taking these types of medications, you should first consult with your doctor.
Studies show the lignans in flaxseeds contain phyto-estrogens (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. It's probably wise to consult with your obstetrician before supplementing your diet with flaxseed oil.
Doctors are unsure of the effects phyto-estrogens in flaxseed oil may have on nursing babies. So far, there are no studies in this area so it would be best to be cautious and avoid using this oil while breastfeeding. Again, consult your doctor before taking flaxseed oil while breastfeeding.
There are no documented studies looking at side effects of flaxseed oil in very young children and infants. I started giving my son flaxseed oil mixed in fruit smoothies when he was 3 years old and he was fine. If your child has suspected food allergies you may wish to consult with your child's pediatrician before giving flaxseed oil.
Ingesting excessive amounts of flaxseed oil may cause an upset stomach and diarrhea in some individuals.
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.
Flaxseed oil is a 'cold' oil and should always used at room temperature or cold. I usually store my bottle of flaxseed oil in the fridge after opening and I believe most flaxseed manufacturers also recommend the bottle be stored in the fridge after you open it.
A study from the National Cancer Institute in Maryland showed exposing alpha linolenic acid (the omega 3 fatty acid found in flaxseed oil) to high cooking temperatures creates benzenes, a cancer-causing agent. Even though you can't cook with flaxseed oil, you can use it "cold" on salads or mixed in protein shakes and fruit smoothies.
Although there aren't any documented studies on flaxseed oil's side effects, it pays to be cautious with any natural supplement.
You can avoid these side effects of flaxseed oil by using common sense. Consult your health care provider if your have specific medical conditions that need to be addressed. As long as flaxseed oil is not used excessively or abused, I think it's a tasty, healthy fat for one's diet.
Flaxseed oil is an excellent plant-based source of omega 3 fatty acids. You need these essential fatty acids to function properly. Proper use of this healthy natural oil will go a long way to giving you the results you seek.
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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