Customer Reviews

Flax Oil Review Review by AstroNutrition In-House Review

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Flaxseed oil is a good source of essential fatty acids (EFAs) including alpha linolenic acid (ALNA), a primary omega-3 fatty acid. Other sources of ALNA include canola oil, soybean oil, walnuts, dairy, beans, broccoli, and leafy greens, but they are not as rich in ALNA as flaxseed oil.

Flaxseed oil supplements are a great way to improve ALNA levels in one’s diet. Studies have found that flaxseed or flaxseed oil positively affects the tissue omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. They also possess components including lignan prescursors that might help prevent breast and other cancers, although commercial flaxseed oil products do not contain enough to provide the same effect.

Improving dietary ALNA is important for several reasons. For one, ALNA is oxidized faster than the other primary omega-3 fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA), and a normal diet does not include enough ALNA. Western Europeans and Americans often end up with an imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The imbalance can lead to cardiovascular disease, depression, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and other health problems.

Arachidonic acid (AA) and lipogenesis: AA is an omega-6 fatty acid created from LA. The rate of conversion is low, but due to high amounts of LA in many diets AA concentrations can be a problem. AA turns into certain leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and thromboxanes that in excess can cause arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other inflammatory problems. Animal studies show that ALNA turns into LC-PUFAs that slows LA conversion to AA. LC-PUFAs also promote fatty acid oxidation.

Cardiovascular disease:Animals studies and epidemiological studies show that ALNA lowers the risk and fatality rates of cardiovascular disease. This includes preventing arrhythmias, reducing blood pressure, and slowing platelet aggregation. However, studies on ALNA’s effect on lipid profiles vary possibly due to ALNA rich diets often being high in trans fat that increase cardiovascular disease susceptibility.

ALNA vs. EPA/DHA: ALNA at low rates converts to EPA and DHA. It is debated whether its effectiveness is due to anything besides EPA and DHA conversion, although some studies show it might.

Conclusion: Flaxseed contains EFAs that can help improve the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which provides a variety of health benefits. However, it is not conclusive that that the benefit it related to anything other than EPA and DHA, which are available from fish oil supplements. More studies need to be done to determine ALNA’s role in the body. (Posted on 2/20/11)

Very good Review by Michellebelle70

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I have been taking the NOW Flax Oil - 1000 mg softgels now for about 3 weeks and I have to say, it is doing more for my mind than I thought it would. I feel clearer headed and my memory has been so much better! I initially bought them to aid in circulation and my digestion, but it has made my skin clearer, my hair is softer and again, my mind is working better! I work full time and have a family still at home and so find that I can neglect taking the time to ensure my health is good. I started feeling sluggish and found I was forgetting even the most simple of things, which was very frustrating! I need to be sharp at work and I like to be sharp at home as well. I would recommend this product to females that find themselves in a similar situation as myself where you feel stretched and need the extra vitamins and minerals on a regular basis. I am taking other vitamins but these are such a bonus and like I said before, have surprised me at what they are doing for my brain function. (Posted on 9/20/10)

Great Product Review by Ludders

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I was recommended to take 2,000 mg of Flax Seed Oil for my dry eye condition and it has really improved with this great product. (Posted on 2/9/10)