Flax Oil Problems

Allergies

• Though medicinal amounts of flax oil under 30 grams per day are usually safe for most adults and children, allergic reactions can occur. In fact, allergic reactions like skin rashes and breathing problems have occurred even in workers processing flaxseed products. If doses of 30 grams or higher are consumed, there is a significant chance diarrhea may result.

Considerations

• The National Institutes of Health reports that flaxseed oil might increase the risk of severe bleeding in people who already suffer from a bleeding disorder. This oil may also increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. NIH suggests stopping the use of flaxseed oil two weeks before any scheduled surgery. Due to its bleeding risk, you may want to avoid using flax oil when taking other medications such as anticoagulants or anti-platelets that might also slow clotting or increase bleeding time.

Warning

• Healthy Flax suggests flaxseed oil may be unsafe during pregnancy. It may increase the chance of premature birth when taken during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. In addition, there is not enough information about breast-feeding and flaxseed oil. The safest option is to avoid using flaxseed oil until more is known.