Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum

The Basics

What is Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum?

Used for constipation and to control levels of cholesterol and blood sugar in the body.

Brand names for Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum

N/A

How Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum is classified

Complementary Therapies, Food, Oils, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum During Pregnancy

Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum while pregnant

N/A

Taking Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum?

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed provides a nonabsorbable fiber which has been used as a laxative and has also been used topically to treat various skin conditions. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is partially converted into the omega-3-fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the body. Flaxseed oil increases the ALA content of breastmilk, but does not increase the DHA content. Maternal intake of preformed DHA, primarily derived from seafood or other marine oils, is required to increase breastmilk DHA content.[1][2] Flaxseed is generally well tolerated in adults, with occasional allergic skin reactions occurring. Very limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of flaxseed oil in nursing mothers or infants. However, supplementation of infant formula with ALA appears to improve the infant’s DHA status.[3] Flaxseed used by the nursing mother as a laxative or topical poultice are not expected to adversely affect the breastfed infant. Flaxseed oil can be used during lactation, but is not effective in counteracting a low maternal DHA intake, as in vegetarian or vegan diets. Heating breastmilk to 63.5 degrees C reduces the concentration of linolenic acid by about 22%. Freezing milk at -20 degrees C and thawing more than once decreases linolenic acid concentration by an average of 63%.[4] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed provides a nonabsorbable fiber which has been used as a laxative and has also been used topically to treat various skin conditions. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is partially converted into the omega-3-fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the body. Flaxseed oil increases the ALA content of breastmilk, but does not increase the DHA content. Maternal intake of preformed DHA, primarily derived from seafood or other marine oils, is required to increase breastmilk DHA content.[1][2] Flaxseed is generally well tolerated in adults, with occasional allergic skin reactions occurring. Very limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of flaxseed oil in nursing mothers or infants. However, supplementation of infant formula with ALA appears to improve the infant’s DHA status.[3] Flaxseed used by the nursing mother as a laxative or topical poultice are not expected to adversely affect the breastfed infant. Flaxseed oil can be used during lactation, but is not effective in counteracting a low maternal DHA intake, as in vegetarian or vegan diets. Heating breastmilk to 63.5 degrees C reduces the concentration of linolenic acid by about 22%. Freezing milk at -20 degrees C and thawing more than once decreases linolenic acid concentration by an average of 63%.[4] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Flaxseed / Linum usitatissimum

None listed