Study Highlights the Use of Flaxseed Supplementation in High Cholesterol Management

Use of dietary flaxseed supplementation has no effect on total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels or total caloric intake, say researchers.The randomized clinical trial included 32 participants ages 8 to 18 years with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ranging from 135 mg/dL to less than 193 mg/dL. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or control group. The intervention group ate 2 muffins and 1 slice of bread daily containing flaxseed (30 grams flaxseed total). The control group ate muffins and bread substituted with whole-wheat flour. 
The change in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels failed to exclude a potential benefit of flaxseed supplementation based on a prespecified minimum clinically important reduction of 10 percent. 
"Until its relevance is clearly understood, flaxseed supplementation remains an unverified strategy for the clinical management of cardiovascular risk factors in youth with hyperlipidemia," the study concludes. 
Editor's Note: This study was supported by a grant from the Labatt Family Innovation Fund. Please see the articles for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc. 
Source-Newswise