Flaxseed Oil

General Information:
AdvaCare is a GMP manufacturer of Flaxseed Oil softgels.

Flaxseed oil is the seed of a plant called Linum usitatissimum and a good source of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, dietary fibers, and other nutrients. Flaxseed oil and fish oil have similar benefits, and flaxseed is the vegetarian option for those who want to avoid animal products such as in fish oil. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is the only omega-3 found in plants and is converted by the body into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and eventually docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the two forms found in fish oil which is readily used in the body.

Flaxseed Oil Benefits:
Flaxseed oil benefits are widespread and numerous. It promotes cardiovascular and blood health by reducing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol. It may also be used to treat Sjogren’s syndrome, an immune system disorder characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth, by reducing eye surface inflammation. Bone health is promoted through flaxseed oil’s treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Other benefits include alleviating anxiety, treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), vaginal infections, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), removing cellulite naturally, weight loss in overweight patients, and reducing eczema. It is also as effective as mineral oil for treating constipation.

Flaxseed oil vs fish oil:
Fish oil contains two omega-3 fats, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), while Flaxseed oil contains a third, plant-based omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Flaxseed oil benefits and fish oil benefits are similar and both have a good effect on general health.

Precautions:
Flaxseed oil should not be left in the sun or heat. Talk to your doctor or pediatrician before using flaxseed oil if any of the following apply: the patient is under 18 years of age, the patient is taking blood-thinning medicine, blood-sugar lowering medicine, cyclosporine, etretinate, and topical steroids, cholesterol-lowering medications, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Flaxseed may slow down the absorption of oral medication or other nutrients if taken simultaneously so avoid taking flaxseed oil with other medications and supplements. People with diabetes or schizophrenia may not be able to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, and so should derive their omega-3 fatty acids from sources rich in EPA and DHA, such as in fish oil.