Flaxseed to maintain bone health during aging: what do the human studies tell us?

Key Findings

This review provides a description of osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to an increased risk of fragility fractures. The postmenopausal period is a particularly vulnerable time as the loss of oestrogen production by the ovaries heightens the risk of fragility fracture. This paper provides an overview of the role of flaxseed and bone health, and how flaxseed and its components may support bone health during aging.While there is no direct evidence that whole ground flaxseed modulates bone metabolism – either favourably or adversely – data from human studies suggest that higher intakes of ALA, abundant in flaxseed, may support bone health in aging men and women.

ABSTRACT

Flaxseed consumption is associated with health benefits, mainly due to its alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and lignan content. While there is no direct evidence that whole ground flaxseed modulates bone metabolism, epidemiological studies suggest that higher intakes of ALA, may support bone health in aging men and women. Further investigation is needed to determine whether and how flaxseed and its components affect skeletal health during aging, and if baseline bone health modulates the response. It is also important to consider that flaxseed is a rich source of many healthful components – ALA, lignans, fibre, protein, micronutrients – that support overall health and have a role in prevention of other chronic diseases.