Key Findings
This study assessed the effects of flaxseed (FLX) [low lignan (1percent by weight) vs high lignan (5 % by weight)] on the oxidation of LDL cholesterol . In addition, changes in plasma lipids as well as 2 inflammatory markers: C reactive protein (hsCRP) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) were studied. High lignan FLX lowered LDLC more than the regular lignan FLX did. And high lignan FLX reduced LDL oxidation. No decreases in hs CRP with either regular lignan FLX or high lignan FLX was noted. No change in FABP4 levels, an emerging risk factor for atherosclerosis, were observed.
ABSTRACT
The n3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n3 PUFA) as well as lignan components of flaxseed (FLX) can have beneficial effects. In this 6-week-long, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, we investigated the effects of FLX lignans on cardiovascular risk factors. Thirty-seven subjects (13 men and 24 women, age: 54 +/- 7 years, body mass index [BMI]: 29.7 +/- 1 kg/m2) consumed nutrition bars with similar macronutrient contents. The fatty acid composition and the lignin contents of the bars differed significantly. Two FLX bars both contained 3.0 g of alpha linolenic acid (ALA: 18:3 n3) but different amount of lignans (0.15 g vs. 0.41 g). High lignan FLX decreased total cholesterol (C) by 12 % (p equal 0.044), LDLC by 15% (p equal 0.022), and oxidized (Ox) LDL by 25% (p equal 0.035). Regular FLX tended to increase OxLDL by 13% (p equal 0.051). The difference between the effects of high-lignan vs. regular lignan FLX on OxLDL was highly significant (p equal 0.004). High lignan FLX has the unique property of decreasing OxLDL, which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. (Authors abstract)
Link to Full Text