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 .
Flaxseed oil and fish-oil capsule consumption alters human red blood cell n-3 fatty acid composition: a multiple-dosing trial comparing 2 sources of n-3 fatty acid.
BACKGROUND An increase in plasma n-3 fatty acid content , particularly eicosapentaenoic acid ( 20:5n-3 ; EPA ) and docosahexaenoic acid ( 22:6n-3 ; DHA ) , is observed after consumption of fish oil-enriched supplements . Because alpha-linolenic acid ( 18:3n-3 ; ALA ) is the direct precursor of EPA and DHA , ALA-enriched supplements such as flax may have a similar effect , although this hypothesis has been challenged because of reported low conversion of ALA into DHA . OBJECTIVE To address this question , we design ed a clinical trial in which flax oil , fish-oil , and sunflower oil ( placebo group ) capsules were given to firefighters ( n = 62 ) , a group traditionally exposed to cardiovascular disease risk factors . DESIGN Firefighters were r and omly divided into 6 experimental groups receiving 1.2 , 2.4 , or 3.6 g flax oil/d ; 0.6 or 1.2 g fish oil/d ; or 1 g sunflower oil/d for 12 wk . Blood was drawn every 2 wk , and the total phospholipid fatty acid composition of red blood cells was determined . RESULTS As expected , fish oil produced a rapid increase in erythrocyte DHA and total n-3 fatty acids . The consumption of either 2.4 or 3.6 g flax oil/d ( in capsules ) was sufficient to significantly increase erythrocyte total phospholipid ALA , EPA , and docosapentaenoic acid ( 22:5n-3 ) fatty acid content . There were no differences among groups in plasma inflammatory markers or lipid profile . CONCLUSIONS The consumption of ALA-enriched supplements for 12 wk was sufficient to elevate erythrocyte EPA and docosapentaenoic acid content , which shows the effectiveness of ALA conversion and accretion into erythrocytes . The amounts of ALA required to obtain these effects are amounts that are easily achieved in the general population by dietary modification
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 .