Flax Oil Side Effects

Flaxseed oil is prized for its high level of omega-3 fatty acids, for which Dr. Herb Joiner-Bey, N.D., author of "The Healing Power of Flax," says few nutritional supplements can beat. That's not to say that flax oil is perfect. Some of its supposed health benefits, such as lowered cholesterol, are debatable, and it even has several negative side effects. Consult your doctor before adding flaxseed oil to your diet.

Metabolism

Flaxseed oil may limit the amount of nutritional supplements or oral medications that your body absorbs when taken simultaneously with such medications or supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Never take the oil with other supplements or drugs, instead spacing them apart by several hours.

Allergic Reaction

If you're allergic to any member of the Linum plant genus or Linaceae plant family, avoid taking flaxseed oil. The National Institutes of Health reports that such individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to the oil.

Lower Cholesterol Levels

Numerous conflicting medical studies suggest that flaxseed oil may lower your cholesterol levels, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, but results are inconclusive and more research is needed before making a definite judgment on this side effect of flaxseed oil.

Prostate Cancer

The National Institutes of Health advise against consuming flaxseed oil if you either have prostate cancer or are at risk of contracting this cancer. The oil is high in alpha-linolenic acid, which may increase your risk of prostate cancer.

Thinner Blood

Flaxseed oil's omega-3 fatty acids may make your blood thinner, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This may be especially dangerous for those already using blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin or aspirin.

Poor Conversion

Those with diabetes may not convert the alpha-linolenic acid in the flaxseed oil into the ready-to-use eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acid that the human body needs. This may potentially lead to a nutritional deficiency. If you have diabetes, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests you instead take a fish oil supplement, as it contains ready-to-metabolize DHA and EPA that needs no conversion like flaxseed oil needs.