Flaxseed oil is used to supplement the daily intake of
the omega-3 essential fatty acid nutrient. The seed oil is essentially 58%
alpha-linolenic acid, which is the starting fatty acid for the omega-3
family. (The alpha- designation is used to separate this linolenic acid
from gamma-linolenic acid in the omega-6 family.)
Flaxseed oil is the best land-based source of omega-3
fatty acids. In the body, flaxseed alpha-linolenic acid is destined to
become EPA and DHA, the actual fatty acids of critical importance. Only
ocean fish can compete as a source of ready made EPA and DHA. However, not
everyone enjoys ocean fish on a regular basis, and flaxseed oil is able to
meet the omega-3 needs of those who do not eat fish. But, the dietary
presence of magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin C and niacin/niacinamide
in adequate levels is required to facilitate the cascade. For this reason,
some people may be better advised to use Salmon oil. Older people may not
make the cascade transformations to EPA and DHA well, because of diet and
because of age-related metabolic decline.
EPA is important in the control of the natural and purposeful inflammatory
process and its deficiency allows the omega-6 arachidonic acid
pro-inflammatory component to drive inflammation into chronic conditions
that can develop into pathological states. Since inflammation is a fire
that must always be controlled, the body can be harmed by an EPA short
fall in the regulatory process.(3) Research has shown that men with the
highest levels of inflammation are three times as likely to suffer a heart
attack and two times as likely to have a stroke.(4) A greater dietary
supply of EPA via regular ocean fish consumption or supplemented flaxseed
or ocean fish oils would reduce the risk of stroke and heart
attack.
Earlier research asked the question, does omega-3 fatty acid lower blood
pressure. The answer from one investigation was that a 1 percent increase
in linolenic acid in the blood was associated with a 5 mm reduction in
pressure.(5) Flaxseed oil may not demonstrate any significant reduction in
blood pressure unless consumed in large quantities, such as 1 to 2
tablespoons per day.
The omega-3 fatty acid EPA is credited with lowering the propensity to
blood clot. This is usually a desirable condition, since most heart
attacks are caused by inappropriate blood clotting. A faithful use of
flaxseed oil would be beneficial in this regard, and would be a natural
answer to those who advocate that everyone should use ASA as protection
against heart attack. This efficacy of EPA is demonstrable in the
consideration that the Inuit Eskimos, who follow their ancestry diet of
high EPA intake through fish and marine mammals, are known to be
"bleeders", while North Americans, who consume high quantities of omega-6
oils, are known to be "clotters". EPA is associated with reduced platelet
stickiness and reduced fibrinogen production.(6)
The 1989 English Diet and Reinfarction Trial (DART) looked at 2000 men who
were all recovering from heart attack. The participants were divided into
three groups based on dietary differences: Group 1 received a high fiber
diet, Group 2 received a diet low in saturated fat and relatively high in
omega-6, and Group 3 received a diet high in omega-3 as either fish or
omega-3 supplementation. Those in Group 3 demonstrated a 29 percent lower
death rate compared to the other two Groups.(7)
Flaxseed oil may potentiate anticoagulation medication.
Flaxseed oil should be used when Evening Primrose oil is used to favor a
more optimal balance between omega-6 and omega-3 oils. The recommended
ratio is one part of flaxseed oil for every part of Evening Primrose
oil.
Contraindications
Flaxseed oil supplementation with its
linolenic acid is contraindicated in anticoagulant therapy unless
prescribed under the guidance of a physician.
Large amounts of flaxseed oil can potentiate anticoagulation therapy by
increasing the endogenous level of EPA and the resultant eicosanoids that
modulated blood clotting, and could be a confounding factor in the
establishment of coagulation control.
The minimum daily requirement of this omega-3 essential fatty acid
nutrient is regarded to be not less than 0.5 % of daily calories.(8)
Flaxseed oil is comprised of essentially 58 percent of linolenic acid. A
diet of 2000 calories would require a minimum of 10 calories of linolenic
acid. A one gram capsule of flaxseed oil is essentially 5 calories of
linolenic acid, so that 2 capsules would meet the minimum daily
requirement, assuming no other dietary supply was consumed. Those
consuming ocean fish three times per week would have no need to supplement
with flaxseed oil.
The conversion of alpha-linolenic acid into the
beneficial EPA and DHA requires the dietary presence of magnesium, zinc,
vitamin B6, vitamin C and niacin/niacinamide in adequate levels to
facilitate the cascade.(3)
Flaxseed oil, and vitamin E are natural blood thinners. Those taking
pharmaceutical blood thinners or ASA frequently should discuss
supplementation with their physician for dosage advice.
Diabetics using flaxseed and Evening Primrose oil may experience better
blood sugar control that gradually reduces their insulin requirement, and
should be made aware that these changes can occur, in order to avoid
hypoglycemic episodes.
1. Murray, Michael T., Encyclopedia of Nutritional
Supplementation, Prima Publishing, Rocklin ,CA, 1996
2. Simopoulos, Artemis P., Robinson, Jo, The Omega Plan, HarperCollins
Publishers, New York, 1998
3. Erasmus, Udo, Fats That Heal Fats That Kill, Alive Books, Burnaby, BC,
1993
4. Ridker, P.M., et al, "Inflammation, aspirin, and the risk of
cardiovascular disease in apparently healthy men", New England Journal of
Medicine,336(14): 973-979, 1997
5. Berry, M.E.,, Hirsch, J., Does dietary linolenic acid influence blood
pressure?", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 44: 336-340,
1986 6. Radack, K., et al, "Dietary supplementation with low-dose fish
oils lowers fibrinogen levels: A randomized, double-blind controlled
study", Annalsof Internal Medicine, 11(9): 757-758, 1989
7. Burr, M.L., et al, "Effects of changes in fat, fish, and fiber intakes
on death and myocardial reinfarction: Diet and Reinfaction Trial(DART)",
Lancet, 757-761, Sept, 30, 1989
8. The Report of the Scientific Review Committee, Nutrition
Recommendations, Canadian Government Publishing Centre, Ottawa,
1990
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
