Benefits & Problems With Flax Seed

The use of flaxseed, or Linum usitatissimum, dates back to ancient Egypt, where the flax plant originated. The University of Maryland Medical Center website lists four compounds that give flaxseed its medicinal value: essential fatty acids, protein, fiber and lignans. Flaxseed supplements come as whole, ground, oil, liquid or capsule forms. Flaxseed in oil form does not contain lignans. Check with a qualified health care professional to make sure flaxseed is the best choice for your health.

Laxative

• Flaxseed's primary benefit is its ability to aid digestion. Its high fiber content combined with a substance called mucilage adds bulk, which moves food through the digestive tract. Flaxseed oil is less effective in treating constipation, since it does not contain the same fiber and mucilage. The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health warn that taking large amounts of flaxseed without drinking enough water can lead to bowel obstruction. They also state that more tests are needed to adequately gauge flaxseed's efficacy as a laxative.

Heart Health

• Flaxseed is a heart-healthy supplement. It contains essential fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid, which may prevent heart disease and reduce its recurrence. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) suggests that taking flaxseed supplements may make blood platelets less sticky and lower blood pressure. In addition, a diet high in alpha-linolenic acid may lower cholesterol. While laboratory studies of flaxseed's effect on cholesterol are promising, UMMC warns that results from studies using human participants have been mixed.

Absorption

• Taking flaxseed supplements may interfere with oral medications by slowing down the rate by which your body absorbs them. UMMC suggests taking flaxseed supplements well in advance of any meals, prescription medications or vitamins. Waiting a few hours after ingesting medications and nutrients may also help. It may also cause unwanted side effects in people with diabetes. Because a diabetic's body is not always able to correctly break down and convert essential fatty acids, people with diabetes should not take flaxseed except under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.

Interactions with Medication

• Flaxseed's fatty acids may interact negatively with certain medications, such as aspirin, which thin blood. Flaxseed's effect on hormone levels may also interfere with oral contraceptive medications. Before taking flaxseed, consult your health care provider for information on how it may affect any medications you currently take.