Flax Oil: Risks, Benefits & Drug Interactions - A Comprehensive Guide

Dietary supplements, although natural and full of potential health benefits, can pose possible risks, including side effects and drug interactions, just as any over-the-counter or prescription drug can.

Blood Thinners

• Flax oil may increase the effects of blood thinners. This could be dangerous in some cases but beneficial in others, such as when combined with aspirin for heart disease.

Diabetes Drugs

• Flax oil and blood-sugar-lowering drugs can cause an increase in fasting-blood-sugar levels, which could increase the need for the diabetes medications.

Precautions

• Prior to taking flax oil as a dietary supplement, it is necessary to discuss all medications with a qualified doctor to determine possible drug interactions and side effects.

Cancer Risk

• Ground flaxseed may offer protection and benefits, but flax oil is associated with an increased risk of men developing prostate cancer. Flax oil also increases the risk for developing macular degeneration, while ground flaxseed may give protection.

Absorption

• Those suffering from schizophrenia or diabetes may not be able to convert flax oil into an omega-3 form that is easily absorbed into the body and instead should get omega-3 from food.

Drug Interactions

• Flax oil can slow down the process of a medication absorbing into the body when the drug and the flax oil are taken at the same time.