Flax Seed Good Source of Omega-3s

GRAND FORKS, N.D.—A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found consuming ALA-enriched supplements for 12 weeks was sufficient to elevate erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaeoic acid (DHA) content, which shows the effectiveness of ALA conversion and accretion into erythrocytes (2008;88(3):801-09). The clinical trial gave flax oil, fish-oil and sunflower oil (placebo group) capsules to 62 firefighters, a group traditionally exposed to cardiovascular disease risk factors. Firefighters were randomly divided into six experimental groups receiving 1.2, 2.4 or 3.6 g/d of flax oil; 0.6 or 1.2 g/d fish oil; or 1 g/d sunflower oil for 12 weeks. Fish oil produced a rapid increase in erythrocyte DHA and total omega–3 fatty acids. The consumption of either 2.4 or 3.6 g/d of flax oil significantly increased erythrocyte total phospholipid ALA, EPA and DHA fatty acid content. There were no differences among groups in plasma inflammatory markers or lipid profile. The researchers noted: “The amounts of ALA required to obtain these effects are amounts that are easily achieved in the general population by dietary modification.”

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