About Flaxseed Toxicity

Flaxseed is a highly nutritious whole grain. However, toxicity can occur if too much flaxseed is consumed. Because of the variety of flax that is cultivated today, toxicity is highly unlikely unless you consume a diet consisting of primarily flaxseed.

Symptoms

• One of the first symptoms of flaxseed toxicity is an upset stomach. This may be coupled with nervousness or extreme fatigue.

Raw Flaxseeds and Water

• Because of chemical reactions between raw flaxseed and water, avoid drinking water at least an hour before and an hour after eating raw flaxseed, as this can cause the cyanide properties naturally present in flaxseed to increase. However, there isn't an increased danger when drinking water with cooked flaxseed, brewed flaxseed or flaxseed oil.

Respiratory Failure

• Respiratory failure can be caused by flaxseed toxicity because of the prussic acid in the flaxseed.

Death

• In extreme cases, death may occur when a large quantity of flaxseed is consumed. However, this is more common in livestock than in humans.

Prevention/Solution

• If you want to reap the benefits of flaxseed without the risk of toxicity, consider using flaxseed oil. Once flaxseed is pressed into oil, the cyanogenic glycosides become inactive.