Effect of Flaxseed Consumption on Central Obesity, Serum Lipids,
and Adiponectin Levels in Overweight or Obese Women: A Randomized
Controlled Clinical Trial
Background : Flaxseed may be beneficial for the management of
obesity due to its high content of alpha-linolenic acid, fiber, and
lignans.
Objective : We aimed to evaluate the effects of Flaxseed
consumption on serum lipids, adiponectin, leptin, and weight loss in
overweight or obese women.
Methods : This randomized controlled clinical trial involved 60
overweight or obese women. Participants were randomly allocated to two
groups; a) a balanced diet plus 30 g/day milled Flaxseed and b) a
balanced diet plus 30g/day milled rice (as control group), for 12 weeks.
Anthropometric indices, serum lipids, leptin, and adiponectin levels
were measured at baseline and at the end of intervention.
Results : After 12 weeks of intervention, there were
significantly higher reductions in waist circumference (WC) and waist to
hip ratio (WHR) (both P <0.05) in the flaxseed group
compared to the controls. Moreover, adiponectin level was significantly
increased in the flaxseed group (17.15±6.1) compared to the controls
(16.83±10.5), (P=0.001). However, there were no significant
differences in serum lipid levels
between the study groups before and after the intervention (all
p>0.05).
Conclusion: Flaxseed consumption may improve adiposity markers,
as well as adiponectin levels Thus, flaxseed consumption could be an
adjunctive therapy to attenuate central obesity. Serum lipid profile has
not changed significantly after flaxseed consumption.