Journal article
Flaxseed and cardiovascular risk factors: Results from a double blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol.27(1), pp.65-74
02/01/2008
DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2008.10719676
PMID: 18460483
Abstract
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 randomized 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.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Flaxseed and cardiovascular risk factors: Results from a double blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial
- Creators
- LeAnne T. Bloedon - University of Pennsylvania Health SystemShilpa Balikai - Division of General Internal Medicine (P.O.S., L.T.B.)Jesse Chittams - Center for Clinical ResearchStephen C. Cunnane - University of PennsylvaniaJesse A. Berlin - Center for Clinical ResearchDaniel J. Rader - Translational TherapeuticsPhilippe O. Szapary - Translational Therapeutics
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol.27(1), pp.65-74
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- DOI
- 10.1080/07315724.2008.10719676
- PMID
- 18460483
- ISSN
- 0731-5724
- eISSN
- 1541-1087
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- K-23 AT-00058; R21AT01291 / NCCIH NIH HHS; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine M01-RR00040 / NCRR NIH HHS; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) M01RR000040 / NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) R21AT001291 / NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY &ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 02/01/2008
- Academic Unit
- Critical Care; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
- Record Identifier
- 9984353936602771
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