Side Effects of Flax Seed Oil

Side Effects of Flax Seed Oil

The side effects of flax seed oil can be significant, and as such it is not recommended for everybody. You'd be surprised to learn that many people are actually unable to reap flax seeds benefits, as their bodies are incapable of utilizing the Omega 3 fatty acids it provides.

Flax Seeds Benefits and Drawbacks

For years flax seed oil has been promoted as a cure for everything from heart disease to depression to arthritis, and everything in between. All of the purported flax seeds benefits are due to its high Omega 3 fatty acid content. It has been well established that our bodies need these essential fatty acids to build cell membranes, support brain function and promote heart health.

More important than the side effects of flax seed oil that we will discuss shortly is the fact that flax seed contains the Omega 3 fatty acid ALA, or alpha-linoleic acid.

The problem is in order for the body to utilize ALA to reap the many health benefits, it must be converted to EPA and DHA, the only two forms the body can use. Science shows that only half of 1% of ALA is converted to EPA and DHA! Does that sound like a lot to you?

So you can see that flax seeds benefits are minimal, unless it is consumed in huge amounts (which would undoubtedly cause serious side effects of flax seed oil!).

The conversion process of ALA to usable forms EPA and DHA is a complex process that needs to happen under ideal circumstances. So if you are sick, or elderly, chances are you can't reap flax seeds benefits at all!

So what's the solution?

More and more clinical data points to fish oil as the ideal source of essential Omega 3 fatty acids. The evidence is so overwhelming that none other than the FDA is recommending incorporating fish oil into our diets.

Why? The answer is quite simple. Fish oil is the only source of EPA and DHA, the two most beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids. These two important Omega 3s are readily available, and do not have to undergo a rigorous conversion process to be utilized by the body.

It makes a lot of sense...why take nutrient A that has to be converted into nutrient B, when you can just take nutrient B to begin with?

It is interesting to note some of the side effects of flax seed oil as well. Although it has been pushed as an anti-inflammatory for treating arthritis, it was actually shown to increase inflammation!

Another study showed that one of the side effects of flax seed oil was an increase risk of prostate cancer...in the same study fish oil was actually shown to be beneficial.

So you can see that fish oil is a much better choice than flax seed oil...not only does it contain the two essential Omega 3 fatty acids, but it has been shown to offer more than flax seeds benefits in clinical trials.

Some of the other side effects of flax seed oil might include stomach disorders, gastrointestinal problems, flatulence, allergic reactions and difficulty breathing.

Fish Oil: A Better Alternative to Flax Seed Oil

As we outlined above, fish oil provides significantly more health benefits than flax seed oil, as it contains the two essential Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that the body needs to promote overall health.

Flax seed only contains ALA, which must be converted to EPA and DHA in the body, a process that is not guaranteed to occur and oftentimes does not.

The side effects of flax seed oil can also be troubling, which is another reason fish oil might be a better option.

If you are interested in reaping the many health benefits of essential fatty acids, we have been taking Omega 3 Fish Oil for quite some time with excellent results.

This special supplement contains the purest distilled fish oil offering the maximum benefits of DHA and EPA, much more than flax seeds benefits.

Take a look at Omega 3 Fish Oil and discover how you can reap the therapeutic benefits of essential fatty acids today!


As with all health supplements, please be sure to consult your physician before taking any supplement to avoid the side effects of flax seed oil or to maximize flax seeds benefits.