Directions for Use of Flaxseed Oil Capsules

Flaxseed oil is derived from flax plant seeds. Flaxseed oil in capsule form is a popular health supplement for the purpose of increasing the amount of essential fatty acids in the diet. Flaxseed oil capsules contain the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body turns into the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed oil capsules may reduce inflammation in the body and help prevent chronic diseases--such as example arthritis and heart disease--and help lower cholesterol.

Things You'll Need

• Flaxseed oil capsules

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult your doctor or healthcare professional before taking flaxseed oil capsules. People taking blood thinning or blood sugar lowering medication should not take flaxseed oil capsules without prior medical consultation. Avoid flaxseed oil if you have high blood triglycerides. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people suffering from diabetes, schizophrenia, macular degeneration or prostate cancer should avoid flaxseed oil for the purpose of increasing their level of omega-3 fatty acids and should instead increase intake through dietary sources. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take flaxseed oil.

• 2

  Choose the most appropriate brand and type of flaxseed oil capsule. Flaxseed oil is found in liquid and softgel capsules. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the highest quality flaxseed oil capsules are manufactured from fresh-pressed seeds, processed in dark conditions below 100 degrees F, and are packaged in dark glass or plastic containers because light and heat easily destroy the oil. Some flaxseed oil capsules also contain vitamin E to further prevent rancidity. Quality manufacturers of flaxseed oil guarantee their product to be free of heavy metals like mercury and lead.

• 3

  Follow directions from a medical professional on how many capsules to take. Also read the dosage directions on the capsule bottle as flaxseed oil capsules come in different doses. Your dose will depend on the amount of essential fatty acids you already get from your diet and any specific condition you are treating with flaxseed oil. According to the Mayo Clinic, a typical dose is one to two tablespoons a day, the equivalent to one to two capsules daily.

• 4

  Spread the dosage of flaxseed oil throughout the day if you are taking more than one flaxseed oil capsule. Take one in the morning with breakfast and one in the evening with dinner if you are taking two daily.

• 5

  Take flaxseed oil capsules on their own and not at the same time as other health supplements or medication. Flaxseed may affect the rate at which nutrients from other oral supplements are absorbed.

• 6

  Watch out for side effects and discontinue use of the flaxseed oil capsules if you experience problems. Don't take flaxseed oil if you are allergic to flaxseed or other ingredients within the capsule. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain have been reported on rare occasions.

• 7

  Store your flaxseed oil capsules correctly, in the fridge within the original opaque bottle packaging. Since flaxseed oil can easily turn rancid when it comes into contact with heat, light and oxygen, you should not cook with it.