Side Effects of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil was introduced in mid 80s as a nutritional supplement. Since then, it has been used widely, for its so-called nutritional and health benefits. Flaxseed oil is also propagated as a remedy for various medical conditions. However, there is no substantial evidence to prove these claims. This product is also said to cause some adverse effects. Go through this article to know more about the side effects of flaxseed oil.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil or flax oil is obtained from flaxseed, which is also called linseed. The plant (Linum usitatissimum) is an annual that is also grown for ornamental purposes. The seeds as well as the oil (extracted from the seeds) are used for human consumption. They have some industrial uses too. It is said that flax was used widely during the ancient Egyptian period. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans used to grow flax, but its cultivation and use declined with the fall of the Roman empire. Nowadays, flaxseed is once again promoted as one of the health foods with numerous benefits. These seeds are said to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and lignans. Apart from whole seeds, it is also available in the form of oil, meal, etc. The oil is mainly available in liquid form or as capsules. However, flaxseed oil contains only omega-3 fatty acids and very small percentage of lignan (a type of phytonutrient). Though it is edible, the oil has a strong odor as well as flavor. So, it is not widely used for culinary purposes. But, there are people who consume flaxseed oil, for its so-called health benefits. They must have some awareness about flaxseed oil side effects too.

Adverse Effects of Flaxseed Oil

No doubt, flaxseed oil is among the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids (to be more specific, omega-3 alpha linolenic acid). This oil is found to have considerable amounts of vitamin E, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and various phytonutrients. Being a good source of nutrients, flaxseed oil has been promoted as a nutritional supplement. It is also claimed to have numerous health benefits, though, there is no substantial proof for the same. While the use of flaxseed oil is surging steadily, most of the users are ignorant of the possible side effects of this product. If you are interested in knowing more about the side effects of flaxseed oil, scroll down.

Though, flaxseed oil is said to have various health benefits, it is also contended that the nutritional value of this oil is much lesser, as compared to the whole seeds. Here is a compilation of some of the possible flaxseed oil side effects, some of which could be serious.

• One of the common, but less bothersome side effects of flaxseed oil is loose stools that may sometimes lead to diarrhea. This side effect is often associated with slightly higher doses. Flaxseed side effects like bloating and flatulence is not usually seen in flaxseed oil users as the latter product has meager fiber content.
• Some of the flax oil users may develop serious allergic reactions with symptoms like rash, hives, itching, swelling, breathing problems, wheezing, etc.
• Flaxseed oil side effects include bleeding problems, as it may adversely affect the blood clotting ability of the body. It could be like brain hemorrhage (causing symptoms like, headache, numbness and tingling in limbs, vision problems, etc.) or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract (causes reddish or black tarry stools/vomiting blood). Some people may experience easy bruising or cuts that bleed for long.
• Though alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is healthy, in some cases, it does not get converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that are readily absorbed by the body. This is mostly seen in people with medical conditions like diabetes. It is said that in normal cases too, only 1% of the total omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (in flaxseed oil) gets converted into EPA during metabolism.
• Though, this is still to be proved, ALA is said to increase the risk of macular degeneration. It has been contended that excess of alpha linolenic acid in the body may increase the risk of prostate cancer too. However, certain studies suggest that intake of flaxseed oil is helpful in reducing the levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA).
• According to a study published in the 'American Journal of Clinical Nutrition', flaxseed oil is found to be less effective in countering inflammatory conditions. Generally, flaxseed oil is considered an anti-inflammatory agent. But, some studies suggest that this oil may promote inflammation in some cases.
• A preliminary study has suggested that high dietary alpha linolenic acid content may increase the risk of breast cancer. Another study in this regard has pointed out that less advanced breast cancer is associated with higher levels of ALA in breast tissues.
• Flaxseed oil may also reduce the body's ability to absorb nutrients, which include supplements too. This may also apply to oral medicines. So, it is advisable to avoid consuming flax oil, along with food, supplements and medication.
• Flax oil side effects include possible drug interactions. Those who are taking blood thinning medications must avoid using this supplement. This applies to other types of drugs like, blood sugar lowering ones, NSAIDs, medication for lowering blood cholesterol, cyclosporine, etc. Avoid using flaxseed oil, if you are taking laxatives.
• Flaxseed oil is found to turn rancid (due to oxidization), once it is exposed to light or air. Such rancid oil is not healthy to consume. Exposure to light or air is almost unavoidable, as the seeds undergo crushing and grinding, for oil extraction. It is also not advisable to heat flax oil, as the ALA may transform to cancer-causing benzenes.
• Flaxseed oil contain phytoestrogens that may act like the original hormone (estrogen), in the body. So, it should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women and those with hormonal imbalance. Others too must use this product in moderation. Animal studies have indicated that flaxseed oil intake during pregnancy may hamper the development of the reproductive system in the embryonic stage.

The above said are some of the possible side effects of flaxseed oil. As in case of the so-called health benefits of flaxseed oil, there is no conclusive evidence to prove its adverse effects too. While some studies support these claims, others reject them. So, it is always better to use flax oil, as per the advice of your doctor. It is highly important to stick to the prescribed doses. Most of the possible flaxseed oil side effects are said to be caused by high doses. So, moderate use is always recommended.