REDUCING ATHEROGENIC RISK IN HYPERLIPEMIC HUMANS WITH FLAX SEED SUPPLEMENTATION - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

The effect on serum lipids of a flax seed supplement consisting of thr ee slices of flax seed-containing bread and 15 g of ground flax seed w as studied in 15 hyperlipemic subjects on long-term intake (800 IU/day ) of vitamin E. The flax seed, which was high in alpha-linolenic acid and fiber, and which has been reported to lower serum cholesterol in e lderly subjects, was provided in a 3-month feeding trial. Serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced significan tly; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not change during flax s eed consumption. Thrombin-stimulated platelet aggregation decreased wi th the supplement. Serum lipid oxidation products decreased significan tly during the washout period.