Despite the numerous health benefits flaxseed oil provides, it is always useful to know if there are any serious side effects that come with it.
As with virtually anything that is consumed these days there will always be a certain percentage of people who develop side effects to it, ranging from very mild to severe and even death.
When eating a normal amount, flaxseed oil side effects should not be a cause for concern for 99% of us. For those that do react to it, the effects are usually very minor and more of an annoyance than a medical problem.
Taking high quantities of flaxseed oil in its raw form or as supplements may cause serious side effects – notably an allergic reaction. However, consuming up to a couple of tablepoons a day, or around 30 grams, should not cause any ill effects to your body.
Common Side Effects of Flaxseed Oil
If you consume more than the recommended daily amount of flaxseed oil you may experience some obvious side effects (especially as flaxseed oil is high in soluble and non-soluble diatary fiber).
These symptoms commonly appear as diarrhea or loose stools but nothing more serious than that.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid and Cancer
Research has shown that high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the body, derived from meat and dairy products, may raise the risk of prostrate cancer. But studies have concluded that this does not apply to plant derived ALA, such as that found in flaxseed oil.
Naturally if you start taking flaxseed oil on a regular basis and become poorly in the mean time, you should see your doctor or health care expert. The problem may not be as a result of taking flaxseed oil, but they will be in a position to diagnose and treat you accordingly.
Flaxseed Oil and Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should naturally be cautious while taking flaxseed oil or any type of supplements for that matter and always consult with a medical expert.
Conclusion
There is no evidence to suggest that flaxseed oil side effects are anything more than a touch of flatulence. I’m quite sure that flaxseed oil benefits far outweigh any side effects and I’m happy to carry on adding it to my morning cereal.
If a study or new research comes to light that there is a potentially harmful side to flaxseed oil, then I will duly update this article and website. If you know of any such findings or have experienced any side effects that have been directly linked to flax seed or flaxseed oil, please let me know by adding your comments below.
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Hi since I start taking flaxseed oil I feel week and very calm I dont have enough energy like before anybody know why?
I took flaxseed oil capsule for two days. I experienced difficulty breathing the second day and that evening, my brain was on fire. I woke up at least 10 times, my dreams in between were hap-hazard. I didn’t take it on the third day and my whole body seemed to calm down. Could this possibly be that I am allergic to flaxseed oil?
@ Maddy – Yes it could very well be that you have some sort of allergic reaction. Have you tried taking ground flaxseed? It may be that you have a reaction to specific fatty acids and the ground flaxseed has a lot less.