Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil, or linseed oil, is a plant oil pressed from the seeds of flax, Linum usitatissimum; unrefined, it is yellow, with a faint odour.[1][2] It is a plant source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid,[3] and is sold as a dietary supplement.[1]
History and uses
Flaxseed was first grown near the Middle East and was later used for linen in ancient Egypt and as a laxative in ancient Greece; in North America, European settlers made oil for paints from it.[1]
Omega-3 content
One tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains about 7.3 g of alpha-linolenic acid, against about 2.4 g in a tablespoon of whole flaxseed and 1.3 g in a tablespoon of canola oil.[3]
Safety
Flaxseed oil taken by mouth may be safe for short-term use, up to 6 months; higher doses may cause bloating, fullness and diarrhoea. It might interact with blood thinners, and little is known about its safety in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.[1]
Products containing it
- Fito 40 capsules (S 07)
- Viva K2 capsules (D 224)
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ Steffen Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, Elizabeth, NJ, 1960: Linseed Oil Absolute.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Office of Dietary Supplements, Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved 15 October 2026.