Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant. It provides both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential to optimal health. Flaxseed oil contains the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by the body. However whilst flaxseed oil may possess many of the same benefits as fish oil, the body is inefficient at converting ALA into EPA and DHA, and the benefits provided by ALA, EPA, and DHA are not equivalent and, there is mixed evidence whether flaxseed oil may confer the same beneficial cardioprotective and joint protecting effects as fish oil and krill oil.

Flaxseed oil may assist in treating a variety of conditions. Supplementing flaxseed oil may assist in reducing levels of LDL cholesterol. ALA may reduce the risk of heart disease through numerous methods, such as making platelets less “sticky,” reducing inflammation, promoting blood vessel health, lowering blood pressure and reducing risk of arrhythmia (irregular heart beat).

Flaxseed oil contains 50 – 60% omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is greater than what is contained within fish oil, however ALA from flaxseed may not have the same benefit as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil (Mozzaffarian, 2005).

It is also easily destroyed by heat, light, and oxygen. Therefore the best quality flaxseed oils are produced with fresh pressed seeds, at low temperatures in the absence of light, extreme heat, or oxygen, and are bottled in dark containers.

Be sure to buy flaxseed oil supplements made by reputable companies who certify that their products are free of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury. The recommended dose depends on the quantity of fatty acids consumed through the diet and the condition for which flaxseed oil is being taken, but ensure that you are consuming 7 grams of ALA per 15 mL (1 tbsp), per day.