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 .
Health aspects of partially defatted flaxseed, including effects on serum lipids, oxidative measures, and ex vivo androgen and progestin activity: a controlled crossover trial.
BACKGROUND Currently there is considerable interest in the potential health benefits of oil seeds , such as soy and flaxseed , especially in relation to cardiovascular disease and cancer . OBJECTIVE We therefore evaluated health aspects of partially defatted flaxseed in relation to serum lipids , indicators of oxidative stress , and ex vivo sex hormone activities . DESIGN Twenty-nine hyperlipidemic subjects ( 22 men and 7 postmenopausal women ) completed two 3-wk treatment periods in a r and omized , crossover trial . Subjects were given muffins that contributed approximately 20 g fiber/d from either flaxseed ( approximately 50 g partially defatted flaxseed/d ) or wheat bran ( control ) while they consumed self-selected National Cholesterol Education Program Step II diets . Both muffins had similar macronutrient profiles . Treatment phases were separated by > or = 2 wk . RESULTS Partially defatted flaxseed reduced total cholesterol ( 4.6+/-1.2 % ; P = 0.001 ) , LDL cholesterol ( 7.6+/-1.8 % ; P < 0.001 ) , apolipoprotein B ( 5.4+/-1.4 % ; P = 0.001 ) , and apolipoprotein A-I ( 5.8+/-1.9 % ; P = 0.005 ) , but had no effect on serum lipoprotein ratios at week 3 compared with the control . There were no significant effects on serum HDL cholesterol , serum protein carbonyl content , or ex vivo and rogen or progestin activity after either treatment . Unexpectedly , serum protein thiol groups were significantly lower ( 10.8+/-3.6 % ; P = 0.007 ) at week 3 after the flaxseed treatment than after the control , suggesting increased oxidation . CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that partially defatted flaxseed is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol . No effects on lipoprotein ratios , ex vivo serum and rogen or progestin activity , or protein carbonyl content were observed . The significance of increased oxidation of protein thiol groups with flaxseed consumption requires further investigation
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 .