Monograph

As a rich source of essential fatty acids, Flaxseed Oil may help discourage inflammation, support insulin levels, and assist hormone production. Additionally, flaxseed oil offers beauty-enhancing benefits for maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. NUTRAscriptives Organic Flaxseed Oil undergoes a superior-extraction process to give you the proper balance of omega fatty acids.
 

Description

NUTRAscriptivesâ Organic Flaxseed Oil is produced in the United States through a quality extraction method. Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil is derived from the seeds of the plant linium usitatissimum. It is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, which is the biological precursor to omega-3 fatty acids.

Research

Anti-Inflammatory

The modern diet has altered the consumption of essential fatty acids, as individuals consume more saturated fats and fewer omega-3's.[1] This adjustment has increased ailments associated with inflammation. Essential fatty acids regulate the inflammation response and increase antioxidant enzyme activities to relieve inflammation. A one-year study reviewed the effects of fatty acids on bone mineral density in mice. Findings suggested that long-term supplementation may support stronger bones and prevent bone deterioration.[2] Incorporating essential fatty acids into the diet, especially omega-3's, can regulate the balance of cytokines (molecular messengers that regulate inflammatory response) alleviating muscle and joint soreness caused by inflammation.[3],[4]

Cardiovascular Health

Alpha-linolenic acid found in flaxseeds can help to restore the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The current high-consumption of vegetable oils from safflower, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, and soybean oils affects the essential fatty acid ration. A diet too high in omega-6's can lead to unstable functions in the heart. Alpha-linolenic acid has high omega-3 properties that restore the essential fatty acid ratio.[5]

By lowering excessive intake of saturated fats and raising omega-3 levels, studies find cardiovascular health is improved.[6] A sixteen-week study examined the health benefits of oils low in saturated fats and rich in omega-3's by dividing mice into 3 different groups: flaxseed oil, fish oil, or control groups. Improvements in plasma cholesterol levels were seen in the flax (36% decrease) and fish oil (27% decrease) groups. Arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) levels decreased in both groups, in relation to the control group indicating flax oil is beneficial in stabilizing elements of cardiovascular health.6

A review of alpha-linolenic acid on cardiovascular health has indicated it can be a favorable nutrient for normalizing different heart functions, arrhythmias, platelet function, or inflammation. Overall recommendations include a modest dietary consumption of alpha-linolenic acid are beneficial for protecting the heart from various risks.[7] Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to normalize heart rhythms associated with heart ailments.[8]

A twelve-month study reviewed flaxseeds influence on increasing healthy omega-3 fatty acids among 179 menopausal women.[9] Results indicated dietary flaxseed increased omega-3 fatty acids levels in the blood, which can be an aid for optimal heart health.

Eye Health

Recent preliminary studies have reviewed the benefits of alpha-linolenic acid on eye health. Specific studies focused on dry eyes find alpha-linolenic acid can lubricate the cornea and reduce inflammation associated with irritated eyes.[10]

Another study recruited 38 female patients with gland inflammation that causes dry eyes and sinuses to take flaxseed oil for 6 months. Results indicated flaxseed oil can reduce dry eyes associated with inflammation.[11]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one soft gel daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

1,000 mg to 3,000 mg per day in divided doses

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of these nutrients has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Occasional gastrointestinal upset, excess gas or diarrhea has been reported.

Drug Interactions

There are no known drug interactions with proper supplementation.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Chilton FH, Rudel LL, Parks JS, Arm JP, Seeds MC. Mechanisms by which botanical lipids affect inflammatory disorders. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb; 87(2):498S-503S.

[2] Bhattacharya A, Rahman M, Banu J, Lawrence RA, et al. Inhibition of osteoporosis in autoimmune disease prone MRL/Mpj-Fas(lpr) mice by N-3 fatty acids. J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Jun; 24(3):200-209.

[3] James MJ, Gibson RA, Cleland LG. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jan; 71(1):343S-348S.

[4] Calder PC. Polyunsaturated fatty acids inflammation. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2006 Sep; 75(3):197-202.

[5] Simopoulos AP. Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Sep; 70(3):560S-569S.

[6] Riediger ND, Othman R, Fitz E, Pierce GN, et al. Low n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio, with fish- or flaxseed oil, in a high fat diet improves plasma lipids and beneficially alters tissue fatty acid composition in mice. Eur J Nutr. 2008 Apr; 47(3):153-160.

[7] Mozaffarian D. Does alpha-linolenic acid intake reduce the risk of coronary heart disease? A review of the evidence. Altern Ther Health Med. 2005 May-Jun; 11(3):24-30.

[8] Covington MB. Omega-3 fatty acids. Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jul; 70(1):133-140.

[9] Dodin S, Cunnane SC, Masse B, Lemay A, et al. Flaxseed on cardiovascular disease markers in healthy menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition. 2008 Jan; 24(1):23-30.

[10] Rashid S, Jin Y, Ecoiffier T, Barabino S, Schaumberg DA, Dana MR. Topical omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for treatment of dry eye. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Feb; 126(2):219-225.

[11] Pinheiro MN, dos Santos PM, dos Santos RC, Barros Jde N, et al. Oral flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum) in the treatment for dry-eye Sjogren's syndrome patients. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2007 Jul-Aug; 70(4):649-655.