Flax Seed Oil Side Effects

Like any other health supplement that is out on the market, there are some side effects that are associated with the use of this product.  This is very important because there might be some side effects that can occur with certain medications. If you plan on taking dietary supplements you should do it under the supervision of a health care provider.

• Flaxseed may slow down the absorption of oral medications or other nutrients if taken at the same time. You should try to take flax seed oil at a different time from the medications and supplements you might be taking.
  
  
• People with either diabetes or schizophrenia may lack the ability to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, the forms more readily used in the body. Therefore, those with either condition should obtain their omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources rich in EPA and DHA.
  
  
• Although studies have found that regular consumption of fish (which includes the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) may reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a recent study including two large groups of men and women found that diets rich in ALA may substantially increase the risk of this disease. More research is needed in this area. Until this information becomes available, it is best for people with macular degeneration to obtain omega-3 fatty acids from sources of EPA and DHA, rather than ALA.
  
  
• Similar to macular degeneration, it has been shown that ALA can be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. More studies need to be done on this subject, but there is always that possibility.  

Possible Drug and Flax Seed Oil Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use flaxseed oil without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Cholesterol-lowering Medications – Cholesterol lowering medications such as statins can work more effectively if you reduce the amount of omega-6 fatty acids as well as increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

Blood-thinning Medications - Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the blood-thinning effects of, aspirin, warfarin, or other blood-thinning medications. If you do plan to take them together, then it should be under the supervision of a properly trained health care worker or physician.

Cyclosporine - Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine therapy may reduce toxic side effects (such as high blood pressure and kidney damage) associated with this medication in transplant patients.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)  - In an animal study, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of ulcers from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).