Flaxseed supplementation has been associated with a change in anthropometrics (body measurements). A 2024 meta-analysis found that flaxseed supplementation decreased weight, waist circumference, and BMI. These effects were most notable in people with a BMI above 30 and in trials that lasted more than 10 weeks.[1] Other studies have supported these findings.[2][3] While the mechanism for this is not yet clear, it could be related to an increase in satiety and a decrease in fat absorption due to an increased fiber intake. Another theory is that flaxseed might have an effect on hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism and appetite, but so far it seems that flaxseed supplementation did not significantly affect leptin or adiponectin levels.[4][5] Flaxseed supplementation alone is unlikely to result in weight loss, but it could be a useful addition to other interventions.
References
- ^Musazadeh V, Abolghasemian M, Kavyani Z, Moridpour AH, Nazari A, Faghfouri AHThe effects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on anthropometric indices: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Complement Ther Med.(2024 Jul 9)
- ^Mohammadi-Sartang M, Mazloom Z, Raeisi-Dehkordi H, Barati-Boldaji R, Bellissimo N, Totosy de Zepetnek JOThe effect of flaxseed supplementation on body weight and body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 randomized placebo-controlled trials.Obes Rev.(2017 Sep)
- ^Kavyani, Z et alThe effect of flaxseed supplementation on glycemic control in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsJ. Funct Foods.(2023-11)
- ^Abbasi S, Karimi K, Hossein Moridpour A, Musazadeh V, Faghfouri AH, Jozi HCan flaxseed supplementation affect circulating adipokines in adults? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Nutr.(2023)
- ^Jalili C, Pezeshki M, Askarpour M, Marx W, Hassani B, Hadi A, Ghaedi EThe effect of flaxseed supplementation on circulating adiponectin and leptin concentration in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res.(2020 Jul)