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 .
Systemic Inflammation in Morbidly Obese Subjects: Response to Oral Supplementation with Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Background Morbidly obese patients frequently display asymptomatic chronic activation of acute phase response , with potentially adverse metabolic and cardiovascular consequences . Nutritional preparations to improve this phenomenon have rarely been administered . Aim ing to investigate the supplementation of flaxseed flour , a source of omega-3 fatty acids , a prospect i ve r and omized double-blind cross-over study was design ed . Methods Outpatient obese subjects ( n = 41 ) were clinical ly and biochemically screened , and results for 24 r and omized subjects are shown . Age was 40.8 ± 11.6 years ( 83.3 % females ) and body mass index ( BMI ) was 47.1 ± 7.2 kg/m2 . Flaxseed flour ( Farinha de Linhaca Dourada LinoLive , Cisbra , Brazil ) in the amount of 30 g/day ( 5 g of alpha-linolenic acid – omega-3 ) and an equal mass of placebo ( manioc flour ) were administered for 2 weeks each . Variables included general biochemical investigation , white blood cell count ( WBC ) , C-reactive protein ( CRP ) , serum amyloid A ( SAA ) and fibronectin . Results No intolerance was registered . Body weight and general biochemical indices remained stable . Initial CRP and SAA were elevated ( 13.7 ± 9.9 and 17.4 ± 8.0 ) . WBC ( 8100 ± 2100/mm3 ) and fibronectin ( 463.2 ± 61.3 mg/dL ) were acceptable but in the upper normal range . Corresponding findings after supplementation of flaxseed were 10.6 ± 6.2 mg/L , 14.3 ± 9.2 mg/L , 7300 ± 1800/mm3 and 412.8 ± 38.6 respectively ( P < 0.05 ) . No change during the control period regarding baseline occurred when placebo was r and omized to be given first ; however , when it followed omega-3 supplementation , CRP and SAA recovered , whereas WBC and fibronection remained depressed during those 2 weeks ( 7500 ± 2100/mm3 and 393.2 ± 75.8 mg/dL , P < 0.05 ) . Conclusions 1 ) Various inflammatory markers were elevated in the studied population , although not necessarily exceeding the normal range ; 2 ) Significant reduction could be demonstrated ; 3 ) Some persistent effects of flaxseed supplement 2 weeks after discontinuation were observed
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 .