[SunnySmile501]

Generic risks of flaxseed, plus FDA claims

Possible risks of flaxseed

Flaxseed oil health benefits information from iVillage Total Health

<snip>

When consuming any food high in fiber, including flaxseed, it is important to drink ample amounts of calorie- and caffeine-free liquids to prevent intestinal blockage or a worsening of constipation. In addition, the fiber in flaxseed may interfere with the body’s absorption of certain medications. Flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as other medications or supplements.

Flaxseed may not be appropriate for people in certain circumstances, including:




<snip>

• Women with hormone-sensitive conditions. The estrogen-like effects of the lignans in flaxseed may not be appropriate for women with endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, or cancers of the breast, uterus or ovary.

• 
  
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Although there is little scientific evidence regarding the effects of flaxseed on pregnant or breastfeeding women, the use of flaxseed in these circumstances is not recommended. Its hormonal effects may stimulate menstruation or otherwise be harmful during pregnancy.
• People who may be harmed by increased bleeding. Certain omega-3 fatty acids produced in the body after consumption of flaxseed may increase the risk of bleeding, which may be dangerous for people on anticoagulant medications or those with a history of bleeding disorders.

<snip>

FDA Health Claims For Flaxseed

No health claims or qualified health claims have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that associate the consumption of flaxseed or flaxseed oil with a reduced risk of any type of disease or medical condition.

Health claims have been approved for fiber, a component of flaxseed. These may be considered dietary guidance claims because they involve broad statements of health benefits for an entire food group. These claims do not apply to flaxseed oil or flaxseed supplements because they do not contain fiber. The FDA-approved health claims concerning fiber are:

• Fiber and cancer risk. Diets low in fat and rich in fiber-containing ingredients may reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

• 
  
  
• Fiber and cardiovascular disease. Fruits, vegetables and grain products that contain at least 0.6 grams of soluble fiber per serving and are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and total fat, may lower the risk of heart disease.

The FDA approved qualified health claims for the types of omega-3 fatty acids found in some fish – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – and the risk of coronary heart disease. The claims apply to conventional foods (e.g., salmon, herring) that contain EPA and DHA, or fish oil supplements with EPA and DHA. Because flaxseed and flaxseed oil contain the omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid, but not EPA or DHA, these qualified health claims do not apply to flaxseed, flaxseed oil or flaxseed supplements. The FDA recommends that people do not exceed more than a total of 3 grams per day of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, with no more than 2 grams per day from a dietary supplement.