Does Taking Flax Seed Oil Cause Any Side Effects?

Yes.  Plenty of good ones (partly listed here).  Bad side effects listed below.  Seek medical advice if your health status is at all unusual.

Flaxseed oil is rich in fats.  Especially the essential fatty acids: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and a 3 Fatty Acid (EFA).  

So if you consume too much, it could make you fat, or have any of the effects that a high fat diet tends to cause (oily skin, indigestion).

Flaxseed oil may interact with medications; best to get medical advice if you take any regular meds, even over-the-counter drugs.

High intake can cause diarrhea.  Flaxseed has known laxative properties; some people don't need help in that area.  

Some people say that long-term excess ingestion of flaxseed oil in the diet can actually lead to a defiency in Omega 6 fatty acids.  "Excess" means more than a few teaspoons a day.

Cooking flaxseed oil destabilises the fatty acid structure and makes it rancid; this makes it potentially carcinogenic. Flaxseed oil can also become rancid if it is manufacturered without certain precautions, not stored correctly or not consumed quickly enough after opening the bottle.

Some studies have also noted these reactions to ingesting flaxseed (usually at high doses):

Allergic response, shortness of breath, mania, nausea, bowel problems, disruption to menstrual cycle, possible increased risk of prostrate cancer.

Evidence also suggests that flax or flaxseed oil may be contra-indicated for people with existing bowel problems, diabetics and people with blood disorders.

I have been putting flax seeds in the food i have notice that i have a hard time breathing

Thats bull**** who ever said there is side effects from taking a natural plant oil grown in alberta!
This is false and missleading! This article has to be linked to the cma (canadian medicle association) and the ama (american medicle assosiation)! They give flaxseed oil a bad name because they dont want u taking natual grown herbs because they cant put a patten on it! They want u to take perscription drungs and all that does is make u sick! Think about it for a second!
If people in the world were taking all natural remedy's, the doctors who are doctors,would not have a jobs because no one would be sick! Same with perscription drugs! There making billions of dollers off us because we are the consumers!
Back to flax seed oil, the reson why u were sick and cant breath is because u were taking abit too much! 2-3 TIMES A DAY IS ALL YOU NEED!
The bennifits are.........

Just look at this list of facts and studies of what Flax Seed Oil can and may accomplish:


- Research shows low incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer in populations that have high amounts of lignan in their diet. Flax is 100 times richer in lignan than most whole grains.

- Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and prevent clots in arteries, which may result in strokes, heart attacks and thromboses.

- Helps protect the body against high blood pressure, inflammation, water retention, sticky platelets and lowered immune function.

- Shortens recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion.

- Increases the body's production of energy and also increases stamina.

- Accelerates the healing of sprains and bruises.

- Eases weight loss in people afflicted with obesity.

- Stimulates brown fat cells and increases the metabolic rate making it easier to burn off fat.

- Improves the absorption of Calcium.

- Strengthens finger and toenails.

- Can improve eyesight and perception of colors.

- Can often improve the function of the liver.

- Can relieve the side effects and stop development of many forms of cancer.

- Can relieve some cases of Asthma.

- Helpful in the treatment of Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dandruff.

- Can relieve the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can relieve the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus.

- Can alleviate some allergies.

- Helps prevent Atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels, especially the large and medium-sized arteries, that many people experience during the aging process).

- Lowers high blood pressure in Hypertension sufferers.

- Has been scientifically proven to treat some cases of depression.

- Can improve the mental function of many old age pensioners.

- Can help in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

- Has been proven to improve the behavior of Schizophrenics.

- Can relieve some cases of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in females.

- And more...!


Unfortunately, our current diets do not come close to meeting our daily EFA (essential fatty acids) requirements. The richest sources of EFAs such as flax seeds, cold-water fish, and soy and canola oils are rarely found in our regular meals. In addition, more typical foods like red meats and egg yolks can actually encourage the body's production of bad prostaglandins. Flax Seed oil can help restore the body's natural balance of good and bad prostaglandins.


How much do I take a day?


The recommended daily dose for most people is at least 1,000 mg taken one to three times daily. Even better is adding flax seeds into your diet in breads, muffins or on salads. Scientific studies have used up to 30 grams of flax seeds a day safely and without side effects.


What do I look for when buying Flax Seed Oil?


It's important to buy high-quality flax seed oil as it is prone to rancidity. Light and oxygen will slowly breakdown the essential fatty acids. Look for flax seed oil capsules (dark coated soft gels) or oil that is bottled in amber-brown bottles, as these are more resistant to the light and oxygen. Make sure you refrigerate your flax seed oil to help extend its shelf life.


Flax seed oil takes a bit of time to be absorbed into the body before the full beneficial effects begin, ranging anywhere from a few days to as many as six weeks, depending on your overall well-being.


Add Flax Seed to your diet and watch what it will do for you! If you're unsure about trying Flax Seed, contact your physician and ask for more information.

Can flax seed oil make my acid reflex act up