Flax seed oil, also known as linseed oil, is derived from the flax seed, which has become increasingly popular, because of its high concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid(ALA) also known as an omega-3. The name omega-3 describes the molecular structure of this unsaturated fatty acid. Alpha-linolenic acid is called an essential fat because it is essential for normal metabolism and cannot produced in your body and must be obtained through your diet. Flax seed oil has about six times the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids as most fish oils.

Fish oils from anchovies, herring, salmon and to a lesser extent tuna; contain two additional types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Omega-6 fatty acid, is also essential for normal human metabolism and has to be obtained from dietary sources. There is growing concern that excessive amounts of dietary omega-6 in the American diet has led to the increases in heart disease. Omega-6 probably competes with the health benefits of the omega-3 fatty acid. Therefore we should limit dietary omega-6 fatty acids.

Both the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are required for good skin health and maintenance of cell membranes.

Many physicians believe that supplemental omega-3 fatty acids are protective against heart disease and prescribe them to patients. However, we do not have good evidence-based studies to prove this is true. Some anima-based models have shown that omega-3 supplemental can reduce the production and secretion of some forms of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Other studies show an anti-inflammatory effect which may be cardio-protective.

Supplemental omega-3 is probably good for you. But, flax seed oil verses fish oil: which form is better? There is no data supporting one over the other and although there are more clinical studies on the fish oils EPA and DHA, flax seed oil has a higher concentration of the omega-3 ALA.

Many patients have difficulty taking fish oils due to the foul taste. Because flax seed oil has a more favorable taste, it may be a better option since patients will be more eager to take it.

August 25, 2008