What Is Flaxseed Oil? Other Names: Aceite de Linaza, Echter Lein, Linum usitatissimum

What is Flaxseed Oil?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Flaxseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. This oil has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits, particularly in the context of chronic metabolic diseases, cardiovascular health, and inflammatory conditions. Other names include: Aceite de Linaza, Acide Alpha-Linolénique, Acide Gras Oméga 3, Acide Gras N-3, ALA, Aliviraaii, Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Alasi, Brown Flaxseed Oil, Brown-Seeded Flax Oil, Common Flax Oil, Echter Lein, Flachs, Flachssamen, Flax Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Golden Flax Oil, Graine de Lin, Huile de Lin, Kattan, Keten, Lin, Lin Commun, Lin Oléagineux, Linho, Lino, Lino Comune, Lino Mazzese, Lino Usuale, Linseed Flax Oil, Linseed Oil, Linum crepitans, Linum humile, Linum usitatissimum, Malsag, N-3 Fatty Acid, Oil of Flaxseed, Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Saatlein, Ta Ma, Tisii.

Composition and Nutritional Value

Flaxseed oil is predominantly composed of ALA, which constitutes about 50-60% of its total fatty acid content. ALA is an essential fatty acid that the human body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through diet. The conversion of ALA to longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), although limited, contributes to its health benefits9.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

Cardiovascular Health

Flaxseed oil has been shown to have cardioprotective properties. In a study involving a predominantly African-American population with chronic illness, daily supplementation with flaxseed oil significantly increased plasma levels of EPA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), both of which are known for their cardiovascular benefits9. Another study demonstrated that flaxseed oil could ameliorate high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis in mice by modulating gut microbiota and reducing inflammation1.

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Flaxseed oil has been investigated for its effects on metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In patients with metabolic syndrome, flaxseed oil consumption was associated with significant reductions in blood pressure and lipid peroxidation6. In diabetic rats, dietary flaxseed oil reduced fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and inflammatory markers, while improving gut microbiota composition7.

Liver Health

In a randomized controlled trial, flaxseed oil was found to improve fatty liver grade and reduce liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)2. This suggests that flaxseed oil may play a role in managing liver health, particularly in the context of fatty liver disease.

Inflammatory Conditions

Flaxseed oil has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in various studies. For instance, in patients with ulcerative colitis, flaxseed oil supplementation significantly reduced serum levels of inflammatory markers and disease severity3. Similarly, in a study on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), flaxseed oil improved inflammatory profiles and modulated gut microbiota5.

Reproductive Health

Flaxseed oil has also been shown to improve reproductive health. In boars, dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil enhanced semen quality, antioxidant status, and fertility4. In aged broiler breeder roosters, flaxseed oil improved semen parameters and fertility performance10.

Cancer

Flaxseed oil may have potential anti-cancer properties. In a study on estrogen receptor-positive human breast tumors, flaxseed oil reduced tumor size and cell proliferation while increasing apoptosis8. This suggests that flaxseed oil could be beneficial in managing certain types of cancer.

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Adverse Effects of Flaxseed Oil

Increased Oxidation

Flaxseed oil consumption has been associated with increased oxidation of protein thiol groups, which suggests a potential increase in oxidative stress3.

No Significant Impact on Lipoprotein Concentrations

Studies have shown that flaxseed oil supplementation does not significantly affect plasma lipoprotein concentrations or particle sizes, which implies that it may not have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular risk factors related to lipoproteins5.

Potential for Increased Total Cholesterol

One study indicated that flaxseed oil supplementation could lead to a higher total cholesterol concentration compared to a control group, which could be a concern for cardiovascular health5.

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How has Flaxseed Oil Improved Patient Outcomes?

Improvement in Joint and Ligament Health

Flaxseed oil significantly improved the prognosis of acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, enhancing knee function scores and reducing adverse events compared to a placebo1.

Liver Health in NAFLD

Flaxseed oil, as part of a weight loss program, significantly reduced fatty liver grade and improved liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)2.

Wound Healing in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Supplementation with flaxseed oil omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduced ulcer size and improved metabolic markers in patients with diabetic foot ulcers3.

Inflammation and Disease Severity in Ulcerative Colitis

Flaxseed oil reduced inflammatory markers, disease severity, and blood pressure in patients with ulcerative colitis4 8.

Burn Wound Healing

Flaxseed oil, when combined with isolated soy protein, improved wound healing and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in burn patients5.

Glycemic Control in Pre-Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes

Flaxseed oil supplementation improved weight, BMI, and insulin sensitivity in pre-diabetic patients, though it did not significantly affect glycemic indices6.

In gestational diabetes, flaxseed oil improved glycemic control, lipid profiles, and reduced inflammatory markers7.

Cardiovascular Health in Coronary Heart Disease

Flaxseed oil, combined with olive oil, improved endothelial function and reduced inflammatory markers in patients with coronary heart disease9.

Flaxseed oil supplementation reduced insulin levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and increased total antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary heart disease10.

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Flaxseed Oil Mechanisms of Action

Anti-inflammatory and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Flaxseed oil reduces inflammation and modulates gut microbiota, which can ameliorate conditions like atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus by reducing inflammatory cytokines and improving gut integrity4 6 9.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Flaxseed oil consumption can lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients by inhibiting soluble epoxide hydrolase, which alters oxylipin concentrations that regulate vascular tone2.

It does not significantly affect plasma lipoprotein concentrations or particle sizes, suggesting its cardiovascular benefits may be mediated through other mechanisms10.

Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Flaxseed oil can suppress colon carcinogenesis by inhibiting early cellular proliferation and maintaining mucin secretion properties in the colonic mucosa1.

It enhances the effectiveness of cancer treatments like tamoxifen and trastuzumab by reducing tumor growth through estrogen receptor and growth factor signaling pathways, increasing apoptosis, and reducing cell proliferation3 5 7.

Liver Health

Flaxseed oil can improve fatty liver grade in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by reducing liver fat accumulation and improving cardiometabolic risk factors8.

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Common Complaints Associated with Flaxseed Oil Use

Increased Oxidation: Flaxseed oil consumption has been linked to increased oxidation of protein thiol groups, which suggests a potential rise in oxidative stress markers1.

Blood Pressure Changes: Flaxseed oil has been shown to significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with metabolic syndrome, which could be seen as a positive effect but may also be a concern for those with already low blood pressure2.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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