Effect of Flaxseed on Blood Lipid Level in Hyperlipidemic Patients

Key Findings:

Here, 30 g of milled flaxseed fed for 40 days significantly reduced TC, LDL-c and TG and increased HDL-c. Generally, diets enriched with flaxseed can cause reduction in LDL-c by 0 to 18% and in TC by 0 to 11%. In most studies, no change has been found in HDL-c level. Lipid levels in the subjects who had a high level of TC and TG were reduced more significantly than those whose TC and TG were slightly higher than normal limit. Flaxseed consumption also resulted in a significant reduction in weight and BMI. The authors attribute the positive cardiovascular effects of flaxseed to alpha-linolenic acid, fiber, lignans and other antioxidants.

ABSTRACT:

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. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Seventy patients with hyperlipidemia participated in the research. After detailed diet and lifestyle education, blood samples were collected from the participants. Patients with hyperlipidemia were randomly 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. 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. (Authors abstract)