Flaxseed Warnings for Men

[Guest guest]

In the September 2003 issue of Harvard Men's Health Watch, a monthy

newsletter published by Harvard Medical School, there was an article

which expressed SERIOUS concerns over the use of flaxseed ( " Flaxseed

oil: Healthful or Harmful " ).

Essentially, the essay pointed out that several well-done studies

strongly suggested that the ALA present in flaxseed " may increase a

man's risk of prostate cancer. " They cautioned that " none of these

studies is conclusive, " but they felt the evidence was strong enough

to warrant avoiding - or least using minimally - flaxseed. The

article also suggested that the risks involved in flaxseed usage

probably escalated at higher dosages, but they gave no indication of

how much was considered " safe " (e.g., a daily UL as with vitamins).

The authors mentioned that there are some other well-done studies

which seemed to exonerate flaxseed, and noted that " it's too early to

say whether flaxseeds are right for you. "

However, the " tone " of the article can be summed up in this

statement: " At present, the limited evidence suggests that the seeds

are a better bet than the oil, though it's still a betting

proposition. While awaiting new studies, men who are attracted to

flaxseeds should consider the alternatives. The present evidence

favors fish as the best source of healthful omega-3 fatty acids. "

Does anyone have an educated opinion on the above? (I used 2

tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed on my cereal, daily. I wonder

if this is considered risky?)

~ andy