Flaxseed supplementation may aid metabolic syndrome management, study finds

By Adi Menayang

- Last updated on GMT

Flaxseed supplementation may aid metabolic syndrome management
Researchers in Iran found that 30-g brown milled flaxseed daily helped study participants lower their blood markers of metabolic syndrome more than lifestyle changes did alone.

Globally, metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease have become a major issue, which researchers link to high-energy intake paired with a sedentary lifestyle.

Researchers from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences noted that in existing studies​, flaxseeds have potential in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. “However, there are scarce published literatures that have shown the effects of whole grain flaxseed on some components of Metabolic Syndrome in experimental and human studies,”​ they wrote.

In a pilot randomized, open-labeled, controlled study​, the researchers found that “co-administration of flaxseed with lifestyle modification is more effective than lifestyle modification alone in management of metabolic syndrome.”

Flaxseed is a supplement favorite because of its high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid, as well as soluble fiber and lignin precursors.

Study design

There were 44 participants recruited between the ages of 18 to 70, both male and female. They were then randomly divided into two groups of 22 participants each. One group was told to consume 30 g/day of brown milled flaxseed supplementation (purchased from a farm in the West Azerbaijan province of Iran), and to eat it with salad at lunch or dinner.

Though only one group was told to consume flaxseed, both groups were to follow a 12-week controlled and guided lifestyle, which was presented to them in a 20-min talk, together with guidance for record keeping. This involved approximately 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity five times a week.

At the first week, anthropometric measurements were noted, and clinic visits were conducted on weeks 4, 8, and 12.

Findings

Through blood sample analysis and body measurements, the researchers found that “the percentage of all participants with metabolic syndrome was 34% after intervention, which was significantly lower than that at the baseline.”

When broken down by group, individuals with metabolic syndrome in the flaxseed group decreased by 82%, while the non-flaxseed group’s decrease was 50%.

“Moreover, body weight, body mass index, and insulin resistance reduced, while insulin sensitivity increased in both groups,” ​the report said. “However these changes were significantly greater in flaxseed group rather than control group.”

Researchers pointed out that their findings for flaxseed’s insulin reduction benefits through deceleration of glucose absorption, which is due to high content of fiber and lignin, agrees with previous studies.

“One limitation of our study was the open-label design,” ​the researchers wrote. “An inert placebo for flaxseed was not known.”

Source: ​Phytotherapy Research

Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1002/ptr.5635.

Flaxseed Supplementation in Metabolic Syndrome Management: A Pilot Randomized, Open-labeled, Controlled Study

Authors: Yari Z., et al.

Related news

Related products

show more

Fueling Athletes with Nature for Peak Performance

Fueling Athletes with Nature for Peak Performance

Content provided by SEPPIC INC | 07-Oct-2024 | White Paper

For many years, pine bark extracts have been harnessed for their potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, delivering a wide array of health...

ACTRISAVE™ NATURAL SUPPORT FOR SKIN AND MALE HAIR

ACTRISAVE™ NATURAL SUPPORT FOR SKIN AND MALE HAIR

Content provided by BIONAP BIOACTIVE NATURAL PRODUCTS | 30-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

ACTRISAVE™ is a powdered extract obtained from the patented association between black rice (Oryza sativa L.) and the flowers of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica...

Tackling Metabolic Health with HIMABERB® Berberine

Tackling Metabolic Health with HIMABERB® Berberine

Content provided by Pharma Base S.A. | 18-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Metabolic health is a prevalent and rapidly growing global challenge. In recent years, there has been mounting clinical evidence to support the use of...

Fast acting Specialty Lutein Esters

Fast acting Specialty Lutein Esters

Content provided by Ennature Biopharma, a Division of India Glycols Limited | 16-Sep-2024 | Case Study

Xanthogreen® is a clinically validated, clean label ingredient from marigold flowers that helps boost your eye health with visible effects in as little...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars