The effect of flaxseed powder on insulin resistance indices and blood pressure in prediabetic individuals: A randomized controlled clinical trial Effects of a Flaxseed-Derived Lignan Supplement in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial Dietary Milled Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil Improve N-3 Fatty Acid Status and Do Not Affect Glycemic Control in Individuals with Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Effects of Soy-Soluble Fiber and Flaxseed Gum on the Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses to Glucose Solutions and Dairy Products in Healthy Adult Males Daily flaxseed consumption improves glycemic control in obese men and women with pre-diabetes: a randomized study. Flaxseed supplementation improved insulin resistance in obese glucose intolerant people: a randomized crossover design High dose flaxseed oil supplementation may affect fasting blood serum glucose management in human type 2 diabetics. A Comparison of the Effects of n-3 Fatty Acids From Linseed Oil and Fish Oil in Well-Controlled Type II Diabetes Effect of flaxseed on blood lipid level in hyperlipidemic patients. Flaxseed and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Results from a Double Blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluation of flaxseed formulation as a potential therapeutic agent in mitigation of dyslipidemia No evidence of hypoglycemia or hypotension in older adults during 6 months of flax lignan supplementation in a randomized controlled trial: A safety evaluation Health aspects of partially defatted flaxseed, including effects on serum lipids, oxidative measures, and ex vivo androgen and progestin activity: a controlled crossover trial. Dietary modulation of the gut microbiota – a randomised controlled trial in obese postmenopausal women Impact of weight loss diet associated with flaxseed on inflammatory markers in men with cardiovascular risk factors: a clinical study Effects of brown and golden flaxseed on the lipid profile, glycemia, inflammatory biomarkers, blood pressure and body composition in overweight adolescents. Flaxseed Lignan Complex Administration in Older Human Type 2 Diabetics Manages Central Obesity and Prothrombosis—An Invitation to Further Investigation into Polypharmacy Reduction
Background : Design ing the effective and early interventions can prevent progression of prediabetes to diabetes . Few studies have shown the effect of flaxseed on glycemic control . This study aim ed to assess the effect of flaxseed powder on insulin resistance ( IR ) indices and blood pressure in prediabetic individuals . Material s and Methods : In a r and omized clinical trial , 99 prediabetic individuals were r and omly divided into three groups : two groups received 40 g ( FG40 ) and 20 g ( FG20 ) flaxseed powder daily for 12 weeks and the third group was the control ( CG ) . Before and after the intervention , anthropometric measurements , blood pressure , fasting serum glucose ( FSG ) , insulin , homeostasis model assessment IR index ( HOMA-IR ) , beta-cell function , and insulin sensitivity were measured . Results : FSG significantly declined overall in all groups compared to the baseline ( P = 0.002 in CG and FG20 groups and P = 0.001 in FG40 ) . In contrast , mean of the changes in FSG was not significantly different between groups . Insulin concentration did not change significantly within and between the investigated groups . Although HOMA-IR reduced in FG20 ( P = 0.033 ) , the mean of changes was not significant between the three groups . Mean of beta-cell function increased in CG and FG40 groups compared to the baseline ( P = 0.044 and P = 0.018 , respectively ) , but mean of its changes did not show any difference between the three groups . The mean of changes in IR indices was not significant between the three groups . FG40 group had significantly lowered systolic blood pressure after the intervention ( P = 0.005 ) . Conclusion : Daily intake of flaxseed powder lowered blood pressure in prediabetes but did not improve glycemic and IR indices Background Flaxseed consumption has been shown to improve blood lipids in humans and flaxseed-derived lignan has been shown to enhance glycemic control in animals . The study aim ed to investigate the effect of a flaxseed-derived lignan supplement on glycemic control , lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients . Methodology /Principal Findings This was a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , cross-over trial and it was conducted between April and December 2006 in Shanghai , China . Seventy-three type 2 diabetic patients with mild hypercholesterolemia were enrolled into the study . Patients were r and omized to supplementation with flaxseed-derived lignan capsules ( 360 mg lignan per day ) or placebo for 12 weeks , separated by an 8-week wash-out period . HbA1c , lipid profiles , insulin resistance index and inflammatory factors were measured . Sixty-eight completed the study and were included in the analyses . The lignan supplement significantly improved glycemic control as measured by HbA1c ( -0.10±0.65 % vs. 0.09±0.52 % , P = 0.001 ) compared to placebo ; however , no significant changes were observed in fasting glucose and insulin concentrations , insulin resistance and blood lipid profiles . Urinary excretion of lignan metabolites ( enterodiol and enterolactone ) was significantly higher after the lignan supplement intervention compared to baseline ( 14.2±18.1 vs. 1.2±2.4 µg/mL , P<0.001 ) . Data also suggested minimal competition between lignan and isoflavones for bioavailability when measured by the excretion concentrations . Conclusions / Significance Daily lignan supplementation result ed in modest , yet statistically significant improvements in glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients without apparently affecting fasting glucose , lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity . Further studies are needed to vali date these findings and explore the efficacy of lignans on type 2 diabetes . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov Objective : To determine the effects of dietary consumption of milled flaxseed or flaxseed oil on glycemic control , n-3 fatty acid status , anthropometrics , and adipokines in individuals with type 2 diabetes . Design : Thirty-four participants were r and omized into a parallel , controlled trial . Subjects : The participants were adults with type 2 diabetes ( age 52.4 ± 1.5 years , body mass index 32.4 ± 1.0 kg/m2 , n = 17 men and 17 women ) . Interventions : Participants consumed a selection of bakery products containing no flax ( control group [ CTL ] , n = 9 ) , milled flaxseed ( FXS , n = 13 ; 32 g/d ) , or flaxseed oil ( FXO , n = 12 ; 13 g/d ) daily for 12 weeks . The FXS and FXO groups received equivalent amounts of alpha-linolenic acid ( ALA ; 7.4 g/day ) . Measures of Outcome : The primary outcome measures were fasting plasma hemoglobin A1c , glucose , insulin , and phospholipid fatty acid composition . The secondary outcome measures were fasting circulating leptin and adiponectin , as well as body weight , body mass index , and waist circumference . Dietary intake assessment and calculations for homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance and quantified insulin sensitivity check were also completed . Results : The FXS and FXO groups had increases in plasma phospholipid n-3 fatty acids ( ALA , eicosapentaenoic acid [ EPA ] , or decosapentaenoic acid [ DPA ] , but not docosahexaenoic acid ) , and the FXO group had more EPA and DPA in plasma phospholipids compared to the FXS group . All groups had similar caloric intakes ; however , the CTL group experienced a 4 % weight gain compared to baseline ( p < 0.05 ) , while both flax groups had constant body weights during the study period . All other parameters , including glycemic control , were unchanged by dietary treatment . Conclusions : Milled FXS and FXO intake does not affect glycemic control in adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes . Possible prevention of weight gain by flax consumption warrants further investigation Objective : Soy-soluble polysaccharides and flaxseed gum are underutilized dietary fibers of interest to the food industry . However , because the ability of soluble fibers to modulate postpr and ial glucose and insulin metabolism has been related to their viscous effects , the utility of these and other low-viscosity soluble fibers remains unproven . The objective of this study was to examine the associations between soy-soluble polysaccharides and flaxseed gum concentration , product viscosity , and the postpr and ial glycemic and insulinemic responses in the context of glucose solutions as well as fluid and gelled dairy products . Methods : Twelve healthy males participated in a r and omized crossover postpr and ial study in which they visited the laboratory following overnight fasts on 11 occasions to consume one of 11 study treatments , each consisting of 50 g available carbohydrates . The study treatments included a glucose reference ( in duplicate ) , glucose solutions containing soy-soluble polysaccharides ( 6 % ) , flaxseed gum ( 0.7 % ) , or guar gum ( 0.23 % ) , all matched for an apparent viscosity of 61 mPa·s at 50 s−1 , as well as dairy-based beverages and puddings with 0 % or 1 % soluble fiber added . Blood sample s were collected at fasting and up to 2 hours postpr and ially for determination of glucose and insulin concentrations . Area under the curve ( AUC ) , peak concentration , and time-to-peak values as well as glycemic index ( GI ) and insulinemic index ( II ) were calculated . Results : Fiber fortification of a 50 g glucose solution had no effect on postpr and ial blood glucose or insulin levels , even at a high concentration ( i.e. , 6 % soy-soluble polysaccharides ) . Glucose AUC and GI values for the dairy-based beverage ( p < 0.05 ) and pudding ( p < 0.01 ) controls were significantly lower than the glucose reference . Glucose AUC and GI values for the soy-soluble polysaccharide-fortified dairy products ( p < 0.01 ) and flaxseed gum – fortified dairy products ( p < 0.001 ) were significantly lower than the glucose reference . No significant differences were observed between the fiber-fortified fluid and gelled dairy-based study treatments and no significant differences were observed in terms of the insulin AUC , II , and peak insulin concentration between any of the dairy products . Conclusions : All dairy products had lower glycemic responses relative to the reference , with no effect of beverage versus pudding matrix observed and minimal impact of 1 % flaxseed gum or soy-soluble polysaccharides . Product apparent viscosity , but not fiber concentration , was significantly and inversely correlated with glucose AUC and GI The study hypothesis was that fasting glucose , insulin , fructosamine , C-reactive protein , and interleukin-6 decrease and adiponectin increases with daily flaxseed consumption in overweight or obese individuals with pre-diabetes . In this r and omized , cross-over study overweight or obese men and postmenopausal women ( n = 25 ) with pre-diabetes consumed 0 , 13 , or 26 g ground flaxseed for 12 weeks . Glucose , insulin , homeostatic model assessment ( HOMA-IR ) , and normalized percent of α-linolenic fatty acid ( ALA ) were significantly different by treatment ( multiple analysis of variance , P = .036 , P = .013 , P = .008 , P = .024 respectively ) . Paired t tests showed glucose decreased on the 13 g intervention compared to the 0 g period [ 13 g = -2.10 ± 1.66 mg/L ( mean ± SEM ) , 0 g = 9.22 ± 4.44 mg/L , P = .036 ] . Insulin decreased on the 13 g intervention but not the 26 g ( P = .021 ) and 0 g ( P = .013 ) periods ( 13 g = -2.12 ± 1.00 mU/L , 26 g = 0.67 ± 0.84 mU/L , 0 g = 1.20 ± 1.16 mU/L ) . HOMA-IR decreased on the 13 g period but not on the 26 g ( P = .012 ) and 0 g ( P = .008 ) periods ( 13 g = -0.71 ± 0.31 , 26 g = 0.27 ± 0.24 , 0 g = 0.51 ± 0.35 ) . The α-linolenic fatty acid decrease for the 0 g period was different than the 13 g ( P = .024 ) and 26 g ( P = .000 ) periods ( 13 g = 0.20 ± 0.04 , 26 g = 0.35 ± 0.07 , 0 g = -0.01 ± 0.07 ) . Fructosamine , high sensitivity C-reactive protein , adiponectin , and high-sensitivity interleukin-6 had no significant  differences . Flaxseed intake  decreased glucose and insulin and improved insulin sensitivity as part of a habitual diet in overweight or obese individuals with pre-diabetes Background Obesity leads to an increase in inflammation and insulin resistance . This study determined antioxidant activity of flaxseed and its role in inflammation and insulin resistance in obese glucose intolerant people . Methods Using a r and omized crossover design , nine obese glucose intolerant people consumed 40 g ground flaxseed or 40 g wheat bran daily for 12 weeks with a 4-week washout period . Plasma inflammation biomarkers ( CRP , TNF-α , and IL-6 ) , glucose , insulin , and thiobaribituric acid reactive substance ( TBARS ) were measured before and after of each supplementation . Results Flaxseed supplementation  decreased TBARS ( p = 0.0215 ) and HOMA-IR ( p = 0.0382 ) . Flaxseed or wheat bran supplementation did not change plasma inflammatory biomarkers . A positive relationship was found between TBARS and HOMA-IR ( r = 0.62 , p = 0.0003 ) . Conclusions The results of the study weakly support that decreased insulin resistance might have been secondary to antioxidant activity of flaxseed . However , the mechanism(s ) of decreased insulin resistance by flaxseed should be further determined using flaxseed lignan Type 2 diabetes is characterized partially by elevated fasting blood serum glucose and insulin concentrations and the percentage of hemoglobin as HbA1c . It was hypothesized that each of blood glucose and its co-factors insulin and HbA1c and would show a more favorable profile as the result of flaxseed oil supplementation .  Patients were recruited at r and om from a population pool responding to a recruitment advertisement in the local newspaper and 2 area physicians . Completing the trial were 10 flaxseed oil males , 8 flaxseed oil females , 8 safflower ( placebo ) oil males and 6 safflower oil females . Patients visited on two pre-treatment occasions each three months apart ( visits 1 and 2 ) . At visit 2 subjects were r and omly assigned in double blind fashion and in equal gender numbers to take flaxseed oil or safflower oil for three further months until visit 3 . Oil consumption in both groups was approximately 10 g/d . ALA intake in the intervention group was approximately 5.5 g/d . Power was 0.80 to see a difference of 1 mmol of glucose /L using 12 subjects per group with a p < 0.05 . Flaxseed oil had no impact on fasting blood serum glucose , insulin or HbA1c levels . It is concluded that high doses of flaxseed oil have no effect on glycemic control in type 2 diabetics OBJECTIVE Supplementation of type II diabetic diets with n-3 fatty acids ( FAs ) from fish oil ( FO ) has been associated with lowered triglyceride and VLDL levels , although reports of impaired glycemic control have limited their use . Effects of n-3FAs from nonmarine sources are less well documented . Therefore , an investigation comparing the effects of linseed oil ( LO ) with FO supplementation was undertaken in subjects with type II diabetes . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Eleven subjects with type II diabetes were given supplements with LO and FO for 3 months each in a r and omized double-blind crossover fashion after 3 months of olive oil placebo . Oils were given as 35 mg FA · kg body wt−1 · day−1 . After each 3-month period , fasting glucose and insulin levels , HbA1c , lipid profiles , insulin sensitivity ( SI ) , glucose effectiveness ( SG ) , and acute insulin response to glucose ( AIRG ) were evaluated . RESULTS HbA1c and lipid values were within the normal range at r and omization . Repeated measures analysis of variance testing found no significant differences in weight ; fasting glucose and insulin levels ; HbA1c ; total , LDL , and HDL cholesterol levels ; SI ; SG ; or AIRG with either active oil . FO was associated with significant reductions in triglycerides and a trend toward decreased SI . CONCLUSIONS In a population with well-controlled type II diabetes , 3 months of FO but not LO result ed in lowered triglyceride levels . Neither LO nor FO significantly affected glycemic control , cholesterol values , SG , or insulin secretion , while a nonsignificant trend toward decreased insulin sensitivity was found with FO INTRODUCTION Hyperlipidemia is one of the most important risk factors of ischemic heart disease . Previous studies showed that flaxseed has the potential to improve lipid profiles . In this study we investigated the effects of flaxseed powder intake on lipid profiles of patients with hyperlipidemia . MATERIAL S AND METHODS This study was a r and omized controlled clinical trial . Seventy patients with hyperlipidemia participated in the research . After detailed diet and lifestyle education , blood sample s were collected from the participants . Patients with hyperlipidemia were r and omly divided in to two intervention and control groups . The intervention group received 30 g of raw flaxseed powder every day for 40 days . Serum lipids were measured again in two groups after that time . Activity and food intakes of two groups were recorded . RESULTS In the intervention group , weight and body mass index were considerably reduced . Total cholesterol was reduced in the intervention group and increased in the control group , both of which were significant . Low density lipoprotein significantly increased in the control group and reduced in intervention group ; also , triglyceride was increased in the control group and reduced in the intervention group , which were significant Table 1 . CONCLUSION Based on the findings obtained in this research , flaxseed powder intake desirably reduced serum lipids . The differences between two groups on the basis of analysis of covariance test were significant . In all cases except for the HDL-c , this is an effective intervention . Therefore , flaxseed may be regarded as a useful therapeutic food for reducing hyperlipidemia Objective : Flaxseed is a rich source of alpha linolenic acid ( ALA ) , fiber and lignans , making it a potentially attractive functional food for modulating cardiovascular risk . We studied the effects of flaxseed on markers of cardiovascular risk in hypercholesterolemic adults . Methods : Sixty-two men and post-menopausal women with pre- study low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) between 130 and 200 mg/dl were r and omized to 40g/day of ground flaxseed-containing baked products or matching wheat bran products for 10 weeks while following a low fat , low cholesterol diet .  Fasting lipoproteins , measures of insulin resistance , inflammation , oxidative stress , and safety were assessed at 0 , 5 and 10 weeks . Results : Flaxseed was well-tolerated , and increased serum levels of ALA ( p < 0.001 ) . Compared to wheat , flaxseed significantly reduced LDL-C at 5 weeks ( −13 % , p < 0.005 ) , but not at 10 weeks ( −7 % , p = 0.07 ) . Flaxseed  reduced lipoprotein a ( Lp[a ] ) by a net of 14 % ( p = 0.02 ) , and reduced the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR ) index by 23.7 % ( p = 0.03 ) compared to wheat at 10 weeks , but did not affect markers of inflammation ( IL-6 , Hs-CRP ) or oxidative stress ( ox LDL , urinary isoprostanes ) at any time points . In men , flaxseed  reduced HDL-C concentrations by a net of 16 % ( p = 0.03 ) and 9 % ( p = 0.05 ) at 5 and 10 weeks , respectively . Conclusions : Ground flaxseed has a modest but short lived LDL-C lowering effect , yet reduces Lp(a ) and improves insulin sensitivity in hyperlipidemic adults . The HDL-C lowering effect of flaxseed in men warrants additional study Background : Cardiovascular diseases ( CVDs ) are an increasing health problem all over the world . The search for natural hypolipidemic agents that can be used besides the synthetic drugs is still in its experimental stage . Plant seeds , particularly flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum ) , which is a rich source of n-3 fatty acids , lignans and phenolic compounds , have also received increasing attention for their potential role in preventing lipid disorders . The present study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic potential of flaxseeds in dyslipidemia . Methods : The study included 50 dyslipidemic subjects selected by purposive r and om sampling and were divided into two groups , a control and an experimental group . Both the groups were prescribed similar dietary guidelines . Subjects in the experimental group received 30 g of roasted flaxseed powder for 3 months . Anthropometric parameters , blood pressure , and blood lipid profile were estimated before the study and after completion of the study . Results : Flaxseed supplementation result ed in a remarkable improvement in anthropometric measurements , blood pressure , and lipid profile in the experimental group . Body weight and body mass index ( BMI ) of the experimental group were significantly reduced ( p < 0.01 ) . A lowering of systolic and diastolic blood pressure ( p < 0.05 ) was also recorded in the dyslipidemic subjects . Concomitantly , a highly significant reduction ( p < 0.01 ) in total cholesterol , triglycerides , low density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( LDL-C ) , and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( VLDL-C ) levels , with simultaneous elevation ( p < 0.01 ) in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( HDL-C ) levels was observed . Improvement in lipid levels result ed in reduction of atherogenic indices . Conclusions : The supplementation of roasted flaxseed powder for 3 months improved the BMI , blood pressure , and lipid profile of dyslipidemic subjects , thus exhibiting cardio protective effect Abstract Context : The natural health product , BeneFlax , is a st and ardized flaxseed [ Linum usitatissimum L. ( Linaceae ) ] lignan enriched product with evidence of product quality and known quantity of the bioactive component , lignan . The acceptance of this natural health product for its various health benefits requires greater evidence of its safety in the general population . Objective : We determined whether flaxseed lignan causes clinical hypoglycemia or hypotension in healthy older adults as an important aspect of safety . Material s and methods : Participants aged 49–87 years were r and omized in a double-blind trial to receive flaxseed lignan ( 543 mg/day in BeneFlax ) or placebo while completing a 6-month walking program . The 94 participants who completed the study were stratified by age ( < 65 years versus ≥65 years ) and treatment category to determine whether older adults were more susceptible to adverse effects . Results : After 6 months of treatment , average plasma glucose level ( 5.4 ± 0.6 mmol/L ) , systolic blood pressure ( 127 ± 14 mm Hg ) , and diastolic blood pressure ( 80 ± 9 mm Hg ) were within normal clinical range . Controlling for sex and body mass index covariates result ed in no observed differences between plasma glucose or blood pressure measurements between treatment or age groups ( p > 0.05 ) . No incidents of hypoglycemia or hypotension were observed during BeneFlax treatment , suggesting that 543 mg falls at or below the no observable adverse effect level ( NOAEL ) . Discussion and conclusion : These data suggest the flaxseed lignan product BeneFlax does not pose a risk of hypoglycemia or hypotension in healthy adults aged 49–87 years BACKGROUND Currently there is considerable interest in the potential health benefits of oil seeds , such as soy and flaxseed , especially in relation to cardiovascular disease and cancer . OBJECTIVE We therefore evaluated health aspects of partially defatted flaxseed in relation to serum lipids , indicators of oxidative stress , and ex vivo sex hormone activities . DESIGN Twenty-nine hyperlipidemic subjects ( 22 men and 7 postmenopausal women ) completed two 3-wk treatment periods in a r and omized , crossover trial . Subjects were given muffins that contributed approximately 20 g fiber/d from either flaxseed ( approximately 50 g partially defatted flaxseed/d ) or wheat bran ( control ) while they consumed self-selected National Cholesterol Education Program Step II diets . Both muffins had similar macronutrient profiles . Treatment phases were separated by > or = 2 wk . RESULTS Partially defatted flaxseed reduced total cholesterol ( 4.6+/-1.2 % ; P = 0.001 ) , LDL cholesterol ( 7.6+/-1.8 % ; P < 0.001 ) , apolipoprotein B ( 5.4+/-1.4 % ; P = 0.001 ) , and apolipoprotein A-I ( 5.8+/-1.9 % ; P = 0.005 ) , but had no effect on serum lipoprotein ratios at week 3 compared with the control . There were no significant effects on serum HDL cholesterol , serum protein carbonyl content , or ex vivo and rogen or progestin activity after either treatment . Unexpectedly , serum protein thiol groups were significantly lower ( 10.8+/-3.6 % ; P = 0.007 ) at week 3 after the flaxseed treatment than after the control , suggesting increased oxidation . CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that partially defatted flaxseed is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol . No effects on lipoprotein ratios , ex vivo serum and rogen or progestin activity , or protein carbonyl content were observed . The significance of increased oxidation of protein thiol groups with flaxseed consumption requires further investigation The gut microbiota has been implicated in obesity and its progression towards metabolic disease . Dietary interventions that target the gut microbiota have been suggested to improve metabolic health . The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of interventions with Lactobacillus paracasei F19 or flaxseed mucilage on the gut microbiota and metabolic risk markers in obesity . A total of fifty-eight obese postmenopausal women were r and omised to a single-blinded , parallel-group intervention of 6-week duration , with a daily intake of either L. paracasei F19 ( 9·4 × 1010 colony-forming units ) , flaxseed mucilage ( 10 g ) or placebo . Quantitative metagenomic analysis of faecal DNA was performed to identify the changes in the gut microbiota . Diet-induced changes in metabolic markers were explored using adjusted linear regression models . The intake of flaxseed mucilage over 6 weeks led to a reduction in serum C-peptide and insulin release during an oral glucose tolerance test ( P < 0·05 ) and improved insulin sensitivity measured by Matsuda index ( P < 0·05 ) . Comparison of gut microbiota composition at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention with flaxseed mucilage  showed alterations in abundance of thirty-three metagenomic species ( P < 0·01 ) , including decreased relative abundance of eight Faecalibacterium species . These changes in the microbiota could not explain the effect of flaxseed mucilage on insulin sensitivity . The intake of L. paracasei F19 did not modulate metabolic markers compared with placebo . In conclusion , flaxseed mucilage  improves insulin sensitivity and alters the gut microbiota ; however , the improvement in insulin sensitivity was not mediated by the observed changes in relative abundance of bacterial species Background Flaxseed has received attention for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role . The present study hypothesizes if flaxseed added to a weight loss diet could improve the lipid and metabolic profiles and decrease risk factors related to cardiovascular disease . Methods In a prospect i ve , single blinded 42 days protocol , subjects were allocated into two groups with low carbohydrates intake : GriceLC ( 35 % of carbohydrate and 60 g of raw rice powder per day ) and GflaxLC ( 32 % of carbohydrate and 60 g of flaxseed powder per day ) . Blood pressure , anthropometric measures and serum levels of isoprostane , C-reactive protein , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , glucose , lipidic profile , uric acid , adiponectin , leptin and insulin were measured at baseline and at the end of interventions . Serum and urinary enterodiol and enterolactione were also measured . Results A total of 27 men with cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated , with mean age of 33 ± 10 years to GriceLC and 40 ± 9 years to GflaxLC . Both groups experienced weight loss and systolic blood pressure reduction . A decrease in inflammatory markers ( CRP and TNF-α ) was observed after flaxseed intake ( mean decrease of 25 % and 46 % for GflaxLC respectively ) . All groups also showed improvement in levels of total cholesterol , LDL-c , uric acid and adiponectin . Only GflaxLC group showed a decrease in triglyceride levels . Conclusion This study suggests that flaxseed added to a weight loss diet could be an important nutritional strategy to reduce inflammation markers such as CRP and TNF-α . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT02132728 BACKGROUND Flaxseed is a promising alternative to reduce the risk of diseases associated with body weight excess because it is rich in a-linolenic acid , lignans , and dietary fiber . Flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum ) can be found in brown and golden varieties ; however , questions have arisen as to whether the variety may influence the health effects . OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare the effects of brown and golden flaxseeds on lipid profile , glycemia , blood pressure , inflammatory status , body weight , and body composition in overweight adolescents . METHODS Seventy-five overweight adolescents ( 33 boys , 42 girls ; age 13.7 ! 2.1 y ) , from Alegre-ES , Brazil , were r and omized to one of the three groups ( n ¼ 25 ) on a parallel , single-blind clinical trial . They received 28 g/d of brown flaxseed ( BF ) , golden flaxseed ( GF ) , or the equivalent amount of wheat bran ( Control , CG ) in different preparations at school from Monday to Friday for 11 wk . Blood pressure , anthropometric evaluation , and the analyses of blood total cholesterol , lipoproteins , glucose , and inflammatory markers were performed at the beginning and at the end of the intervention . The data were analyzed by ANCOVA at 5 % significance . RESULTS The groups who consumed brown and golden flaxseed showed significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure . Brown and golden flaxseed did not differentially affect plasma lipid responses , plasma glucose and inflammatory profile , although all groups ( BF , GF , and CG ) showed increased levels of TNF-a . CONCLUSIONS The adolescents consumed about half the daily amount provided , which may not have been sufficient to exert the health benefits of flaxseed reported in the literature , concerning the lipid profile , inflammation biomarkers and body composition Aim . Animal and human study evidence supports the hypothesis that flaxseed lignan complex ( FLC ) at a dose of 600 mg secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG)/day for three months would combat hyperglycaemia , dyslipidemia , blood pressure , central obesity , prothrombotic state , inflammation , and low density lipoprotein ( LDL ) oxidation . Methods . Sixteen type 2 diabetic patients completed this double-blind , r and omised crossover placebo-controlled study . A univariate repeated measures analysis of covariance ( significance P < 0.05 ) was followed by a mixed linear model effects analysis corrected for multiple comparisons ( MCC ) . Results . Prior to MCC , FLC caused decreased fasting plasma glucose , A1c , inflammation ( c-reactive protein ( CRP ) and interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) ) , and increased bleeding time . After correction for multiple comparisons , FLC induced a statistically significant increase in bleeding time and smaller waist circumference gain . No treatment effect occurred in the other variables before or after adjustment . Conclusions . It is concluded that FLC significantly increased bleeding time thus reducing the prothrombotic state , reduced central obesity gain as measured by waist circumference , and did not affect significantly the other dependent variables measured after adjustment for multiple comparisons . These findings , not yet published in human type 2 diabetes , suggest that this FLC dose over at least three months , may , subject to further investigation , reduce polypharmacy
Conclusions Whole flaxseed , but not flaxseed oil and lignan extract , has significant effects on improving glycemic control .
Context The results of human clinical trials investigating the effects of flaxseed on glucose control and insulin sensitivity are inconsistent .
Objective The present study aim ed to systematic ally review and analyze r and omized controlled trials assessing the effects of flaxseed consumption on glycemic control .