Flaxseed oil is obtained from the seeds of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum. It is valued as a plant-based source of fatty acids and is commonly included in diets that contain little or no oily fish.
The oil naturally contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, as well as linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, and oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are described as essential because the body cannot produce certain forms in sufficient quantities and they must therefore be obtained through the diet.
Flaxseed oil supplements provide a measured alternative to liquid oils and whole flaxseeds. Daily Balance combines flaxseed oil with vitamin E in a convenient 30-day vegan capsule supply.
Discovering Flaxseed Oil
Flax is a flowering plant cultivated for its seeds, oil and fibre. Whole flaxseeds contain fibre, protein and naturally occurring oils, while flaxseed oil is primarily a concentrated source of fat.
The fatty-acid composition of flaxseed oil includes:
Alpha-linolenic acid, commonly abbreviated to ALA
Linoleic acid
Oleic acid
ALA and linoleic acid are polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid.
Flaxseed oil does not contain the same fibre content as whole or ground flaxseeds because the fibre remains within the seed material during oil extraction.
Understanding Omega 3, 6 and 9
Omega 3, 6 and 9 refer to different families of fatty acids.
Omega 3
Alpha-linolenic acid is the principal plant-based omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed oil.
ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 2g of ALA.
Omega 6
Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid found in many plant oils, nuts and seeds.
Omega 9
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Unlike omega 3 and omega 6, omega 9 is not classed as essential because the body can produce it.
A balanced diet usually contains a mixture of different fatty acids rather than relying on a single type.
Why Essential Fatty Acids Matter
Dietary fat provides energy and helps form part of the structure of cells. It also allows the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from food.
Some fatty acids are classed as essential because they must be supplied through the diet.
Sources of unsaturated fats include:
Seeds
Nuts
Vegetable oils
Avocados
Oily fish
Olives
Soya foods
Flaxseed oil can provide a plant-based option for adults who want to include ALA within their nutritional routine.
Key Features of Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil offers several useful nutritional characteristics:
A plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid.
Naturally provides omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
Suitable for people who do not regularly consume oily fish.
Available as liquid oil or measured capsules.
Can be combined with vitamin E in supplement formulas.
Provides oil without the fibre contained in whole flaxseeds.
How Flaxseed Oil Works
Dietary fats are broken down during digestion into fatty acids and other components that can be absorbed and used by the body.
ALA is an essential fatty acid and must be obtained through food. The body can convert small amounts of ALA into longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids, although the rate of conversion varies and is generally limited.
Flaxseed oil therefore should not be described as nutritionally identical to fish oil, which naturally supplies EPA and DHA.
Daily Balance provides 1,000mg of flaxseed oil per stated daily serving, including 500mg of alpha-linolenic acid, 110mg of linoleic acid and 110mg of oleic acid. It also provides 10mg of vitamin E.
Because the Daily Balance serving provides 500mg of ALA, it does not supply the 2g daily amount required to communicate the authorised ALA blood cholesterol claim by itself.
Top Ten FAQ's - Flaxseed Oil
What is flaxseed oil?
Flaxseed oil is obtained from flaxseeds and naturally contains alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid.
Is flaxseed oil a source of omega 3?
Yes. Flaxseed oil is a plant-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, known as ALA.
What is ALA?
ALA is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that must be obtained through the diet.
Does flaxseed oil contain omega 6?
Yes. It naturally contains linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid.
No. Ground flaxseed contains fibre, protein and oil, while flaxseed oil is primarily a source of dietary fat.
Is flaxseed oil the same as fish oil?
No. Flaxseed oil mainly supplies ALA, while fish oil naturally contains the longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
Is flaxseed oil suitable for vegans?
Flaxseed oil is plant based, although the full capsule ingredients should always be checked when choosing a supplement.
Can flaxseed oil be taken every day?
Many flaxseed oil supplements are intended for daily use. Follow the product label and do not exceed the recommended serving.
How should flaxseed oil be stored?
Flaxseed oil should be protected from excessive heat, light and air. Follow the storage instructions supplied with the individual product.
Flaxseed Oil and Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in foods including seeds, nuts and plant oils.
Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This is an authorised UK and EU health claim and may be used when the product meets the required conditions.
Daily Balance provides 10mg of vitamin E per daily serving, stated as 83.3% of the listed reference intake on the current product information.
Who Might Consider Flaxseed Oil?
Flaxseed oil may appeal to adults who:
Prefer a plant-based source of omega fatty acids.
Follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Do not regularly include oily fish in their meals.
Want a measured daily capsule rather than liquid oil.
Are looking to add flaxseed-derived fatty acids to their diet.
Prefer a supplement that also includes vitamin E.
Individual nutritional requirements vary.
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How to Include Flaxseed Oil in Your Routine
Flaxseed oil can be taken as a liquid or in softgel capsules.
When using liquid flaxseed oil:
Follow the storage directions on the packaging.
Do not use it for high-temperature frying unless the product specifically permits this.
Add it to cold foods such as dressings or smoothies.
Protect it from excessive light and heat.
When using capsules:
Follow the recommended daily serving.
Take them with water and a meal if directed.
Do not exceed the stated dosage.
Use them consistently as part of a balanced diet.
Daily Balance is currently taken as one softgel twice daily with water and a meal.
Suitability and Considerations
Flaxseed oil supplements are not suitable for everyone. Consider the following: Check the full ingredients and capsule-shell information. Do not exceed the recommended daily serving. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet. Seek professional advice when taking prescribed medication. Consult a healthcare professional if you have an underlying condition. Daily Balance is not suitable during pregnancy, when planning pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Store the product according to its label directions.
