09.29.09
Indication: Cholesterol
Source: Am J Clin Nutr, August 2009;90(2):288-97.
Research: Several clinical trials have investigated the effects of flaxseed and flaxseed-derived products (flaxseed oil or lignans) on blood lipids; however, the findings have been inconsistent. The goal of this study was to identify and quantify the effectiveness of flaxseed and its derivatives on blood lipid profiles. Researchers performed a comprehensive literature search on the basis of English reports of randomized controlled trials of flaxseed or its derivatives on lipid profiles in adults, which were published from January 1990 to October 2008. Attempts also were made to access unpublished data.
Results: Twenty-eight studies were included. Flaxseed interventions reduced total and LDL cholesterol by 0.10 mmol/L and 0.08 mmol/L, respectively; significant reductions were observed with whole flaxseed (-0.21 and -0.16 mmol/L, respectively) and lignan (-0.28 and -0.16 mmol/L, respectively) supplements, but not with flaxseed oil. The cholesterol-lowering effects were more apparent in females (particularly postmenopausal women) and individuals with high initial cholesterol concentrations.