Flaxseed Oil Side Effects – the Downside of the Benefits

Flaxseed oil side effects are known to exist vis-a-vis the multitude health benefits that the product promises to consumers.

Despite the popularity of flaxseed oil as a powerful nutritional supplement which started at around the early 80’s, this product still has been a topic of debate because of the various after-effects of the regular intake of this dietary item. Ranging from subtle to serious adverse reactions, some of these side effects are backed up by clinical studies while others are merely based on consumers’ experiences.

Flaxseed oil side effects primarily result because of the differences in every consumer’s reactions with the components of the product. Extremely high doses of the oil over a long period of time and likewise the unnecessary consumption of flaxseed oil alongside with incompatible medications are also trigger points which can induce unfavorable effects.

What does Flaxseed Oil do to the Body? – One Side of the Coin

Considered as a plant-based supplement, flaxseed oil is primarily marketed as a dietary addition for the maintenance of a consumer’s physical and psychological health. Briefly, flaxseed oil provides Omega 3 since this essential fatty acid cannot be synthesized by the body on its own; hence the need for external sources of this nutrition. Essential vitamins and minerals, some traces of dietary fiber, enzymes and other nutrients are likewise contained in flaxseed oil. A rundown of these nutritional components is composed of the following:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B Complex – Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), and Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Dietary Fiber
• Lignan
• Magnesium
• Protein
• Manganese
• Folate
• Phosphorus
• Lecithin
• Zinc
• Copper
• Calcium
• Sulphur
• Potassium
• Iron

This combination of dietary value ensures the (1) effective functioning of the heart, immune system and the body’s physical recovery mechanisms; (2) controlled body weight and ideal levels of blood pressure and blood sugar; (3) prevention of serious illness such as cancer and diabetes. These are just some of the many benefits derived from incorporating flaxseed oil in the diet.

What are the Side Effects of Flaxseed Oil? – Another Side of the Coin

Flaxseed oil normally comes in different product formats – original liquid form, flavoured liquid flax oil, softgel capsules or pills. For the latter, capsules and pills are more commonly taken as similar product formats – liquid oil contained in single servings for convenient individual dosage.

Despite the several ailments and health problems that flaxseed oil claim to address, the benefits of this dietary supplement is not absolute for all users; because of the limitations inherent in these types of products without actual therapeutic claims, flaxseed oil does not provide a one-size-fits-all solution to the body’s troubled area. A product which is well-accepted by consumers also comes with a downside especially if there is an unfit between the user’s needs and flaxseed oil’s benefits.

Flax Oil Pills and Capsules Side Effects – Are They the Same Thing?

When asked the question whether this product causes adverse responses, the side effects of flaxseed oil pills does not differ much with the side effects of flaxseed oil capsules. Independent of any format, the known side effects of flaxseed oil include the following:

1. Flatulence, loose stools and to some extent diarrhea – flaxseed oil is believed to have laxative properties. This means that the excessive intake of this oil stimulates evacuation of feces and causes loose bowel movements. Flatulence on the other hand is caused by the gas paired with an upset stomach especially after large doses of the product without adequate intake of water.
2. Moderate to extreme allergic reactions – allergic reactions in the form of rashes, redness, watery eyes, congested breathing or nasal difficulties may result if an individual is allergic to grains such as flaxseed and its derivative products such as flaxseed oil in liquid form, capsule, pill or as a condiment.
3. Bleeding – one of the effects of flaxseed oil is that it thins the blood, meaning it prevents blood platelets from forming with each other. Overdose of this oil may cause internal and external bleeding in the body. Symptoms such as continuously bleeding cuts and injuries, vomiting of blood and discharging stools with traces of blood (signs of gastrointestinal bleeding) are the common manifestations of flaxseed oil’s side effect of bleeding.
4. Reduced efficacy of other medications – flaxseed oil has the tendency to reduce the effectiveness of other drugs or vitamin and mineral supplements consumed alongside with this oil. This negative interaction of the oil with other products is expected as the flaxseed’s component might not blend well with and might offset the effects of other enzymes and nutrients.

Avoiding Flax Oil’s Side Effects

The side effects of flax oil can be addressed by adhering to several safety precautions on the intake of such health supplements.

• Flaxseed oil should not be taken with other laxative products to aid in the problem of constipation. Using flax oil alone is sufficient to solve this problem and additional medications to induce bowel can be dangerous for the health and instead may further cause excessive diarrhea with traces of blood.
• Fluid such as water offsets the runny feel of the oil on the mouth and eases the flow of the flax oil in the body.
• Lactating women and those expecting pregnancy should avoid taking flaxseed oil as part of the daily diet. This health supplement may have adverse effects on the successful development of the embryo.

Flaxseed oil side effects can be prevented as long as consumers understand the effects of this dietary supplement on the body. As one of the richest source of the body’s nutrition and a less expensive preventive medication against serious illnesses, flaxseed oil still remains a popular choice for consumers in maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.