Name: Flax Oil - Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Scientific Name:
Intro: Flaxseed oil is derived from the seeds of the flax plant. Itl is one of the best sources of the essential fatty acids. It contains approximately 50-60% of the omega-3 essential fatty acid, known as alpha-linolenic acid, and roughly 18-20% of the omega-6 essential fatty acid known as linoleic acid. Flaxseed oil is nature’s richest source of linolenic acid, which is frequently deficient in American diets.
Flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain substances that promote good health. Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and a variety of other health conditions. Flaxseed, in addition to ALA, contains a group of chemicals called lignans that may play a role in the prevention of cancer. The essential fatty acids have several important functions. They are a necessary component of cell walls and cellular membranes throughout the body, they help in energy production and they help regulate the breakdown of cholesterol and triglycerides. Flaxseed oil is a very important nutritional supplement because it is nature’s best source of omega-3 fatty acid.
Nutrient Content:
Benefits:
Comments: The recommended initial daily dosage of Flax Oil is approximately 3000 mg. Flaxseed oil should be protected from heat, light, and oxygen because these conditions promote its oxidation. Flaxseed oil should never be used for cooking and should be kept refrigerated after opening the bottle. Individuals taking flaxseed oil should be encouraged to take adequate antioxidant nutrients, especially vitamin E
Caution: Flaxseed may slow down the absorption of oral medications or other nutrients if taken at the same time. Try to avoid taking flaxseed at the same time as medications and other supplements. People with either diabetes or schizophrenia may lack the ability to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, the forms more readily used in the body. Therefore, those with either condition should obtain their omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources rich in EPA and DHA.
Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use flaxseed oil without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Blood-thinning Medications
Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications. While the combination of aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may actually be helpful under certain circumstances (such as heart disease), these medications should only be taken together under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare provider.
Cholesterol-lowering Medications
Following certain nutritional guidelines, including increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet and reducing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, may allow a group of cholesterol lowering medications known as "statins" (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) to work more effectively.
Cyclosporine
Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine therapy may reduce toxic side effects (such as high blood pressure and kidney damage) associated with this medication in transplant patients.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
In an animal study, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of ulcers from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More research is needed to evaluate whether omega-3 fatty acids would have the same effects in people.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil decreases the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, such as lycopene, from the digestive tract. It is recommended not to take these agents at the same time
Orlistat
This medication decreases the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, such as lycopene, from the digestive tract. It is recommended not to take these agents at the same time. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.
Bile acid sequestrants
These medications decrease the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as lycopene. Supplementation with the affected nutrient(s) may be necessary. These drugs include cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam
Olestra
The non-fat, calorie-free cooking oil decreases the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, such as lycopene, from the digestive tract. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.
Chitosan
This nutrient decreases the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, such as lycopene, from the digestive tract. It is recommended not to take these agents at the same time. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary