Subgroup analyses showed that using whole flaxseed in doses ≥30 g d-1 , longer-term interventions ( ≥12 weeks ) and studies including participants with higher BMI ( ≥ 27 kg m-2 ) had positive effects on body composition  .
Whole flaxseed is a good choice for weight management particularly for weight reduction in overweight and obese participants
Flaxseed consumption may be inversely associated with obesity ; however , findings of available r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) are conflicting .
The present study aim ed to systematic ally review and analyse RCTs assessing the effects of flaxseed consumption on body weight and body composition .
A lignan complex isolated from flaxseed does not affect plasma lipid concentrations or antioxidant capacity in healthy postmenopausal women.
A lignan complex rich in the plant lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside ( SDG ) was isolated from flaxseed . SDG is metabolized by the colonic microflora to the mammalian lignans enterodiol ( END ) and enterolactone ( ENL ) , and was hypothesized to reduce plasma lipid concentrations and improve antioxidant capacity . The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a lignan complex , providing 500 mg/d of SDG , on serum concentration and urinary excretion of ENL , plasma lipids , serum lipoprotein oxidation resistance , and markers of antioxidant capacity .  Healthy postmenopausal women ( n = 22 ) completed a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , crossover study . Women consumed daily a low-fat muffin , with or without a lignan complex , for 6 wk , separated by a 6-wk washout period . Serum ENL concentration , urinary ENL excretion , plasma concentrations of total cholesterol ( TC ) , LDL cholesterol ( LDL-C ) , HDL cholesterol ( HDL-C ) , triacylglycerol ( TAG ) , serum lipoprotein oxidation lag time , plasma Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity ( TEAC ) , and ferric reducing ability of plasma ( FRAP ) were measured at the beginning and end of each intervention period . ENL concentrations in serum ( P < 0.001 ) and ENL urinary excretion ( P < 0.001 ) were significantly higher after the lignan complex intervention period compared with placebo . Plasma concentrations of TC , LDL-C , HDL-C , TAG , lipoprotein oxidation lag time , TEAC and FRAP were not affected . Daily consumption for 6 wk of a low-fat muffin enriched with a lignan complex significantly increased serum ENL concentrations and urinary ENL excretion in healthy postmenopausal women , but had no effect on plasma lipid concentrations , serum lipoprotein oxidation resistance , or plasma antioxidant capacity
Subgroup analyses showed that using whole flaxseed in doses ≥30 g d-1 , longer-term interventions ( ≥12 weeks ) and studies including participants with higher BMI ( ≥ 27 kg m-2 ) had positive effects on body composition  .
Whole flaxseed is a good choice for weight management particularly for weight reduction in overweight and obese participants
Flaxseed consumption may be inversely associated with obesity ; however , findings of available r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) are conflicting .
The present study aim ed to systematic ally review and analyse RCTs assessing the effects of flaxseed consumption on body weight and body composition .