The effect of flaxseed oil consumption on blood pressure among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders
Flaxseed oil, among the richest in linolenic acid and antioxidants (omega 3, omega 6, vitamin F, vitamin E), exhibits several activities, starting with the mildly laxative one attributable to the presence of mucilage that makes it an important support against chronic constipation.
Flaxseed can also help with other problems related to inflammation of the colon, while the cholesterol-lowering action that has been attributed to it is related to the presence of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber.
Some studies have, in addition, indicated that flaxseeds contribute to improving some parameters related to metabolic syndrome.
Specifically, this recent systematic review with meta-analysis evaluated the overall effects of flaxseed oil consumption on blood pressure in subjects with metabolic syndrome and related disorders.
It searched the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science databases through March 31, 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated this specific activity of flaxseed oil.
The weighted mean difference (WMD) was aggregated using a random effects model. Standard methods were used to assess heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias.
Meta-analysis of five studies (6 arms) showed significant reductions in systolic BP (WMD: -3.86 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.59 to -0.13, p = 0.04) after flaxseed oil consumption. However, the overall effect showed no significant change in diastolic (WMD: -1.71 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.67 to 0.26, p = 0.09) BP (DBP) in the intervention group compared with the control group.
This resulted in significant reductions in systolic blood pressure after consumption of flaxseed oil. In contrast, no statistically significant changes in diastolic blood pressure were found in the intervention group compared with the placebo control group.
These results therefore indicate that consumption of flaxseed oil exerts a positive action on systolic blood pressure in subjects with metabolic syndrome and related disorders; further research is needed to obtain more conclusive data on which to base specific clinical recommendations.
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Source: Mahmudiono T, Jasim SA, Karim YS, Bokov DO, et al. The effect of flaxseed oil consumption on blood pressure among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinica/ trials. Phytother Res. 2022 Oct:36(70):3766-3773
