Elevated liver enzymes is a serious symptom that can signify hepatitis, nonalcoholic liver disease, liver cancer and other serious conditions. An increase in liver enzymes can be caused by damaged liver cells releasing an excess of enzymes into the bloodstream, or from less-severe conditions. Understanding what causes an increase in liver enzymes will help you decide when to see a doctor.
Flaxseed
Believed to have originated in Egypt, flaxseed, also known as linseed, is derived from the flax plant. Today, it is grown in Canada and the northwestern United States. Flaxseed is found whole, crushed or in powder form and is commonly used as a laxative due to its soluble fiber content. Flaxseed also contains alpha-linolenic acid, or omega-3 fatty acid, which is effective in lowering triglycerides, and may be effective in preventing heart attack and heart disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Liver Enzymes
The liver is the largest organ in the body and responsible for over 500 functions. It stores energy in the form of glycogen, breaks down stored energy for use, synthesizes proteins and produces bile for digestion. Liver enzymes are proteins the liver secretes into the blood. When the liver is damaged, the level of those enzymes either increase or decrease in the blood. A liver function test is administered to assess the liver and test the level of these enzymes, and other substances, in the blood. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are enzymes commonly tested during a liver test. Higher than normal levels of either of these enzymes may indicate liver damage.
The Facts
The most recent research shows that flaxseed does not lead to elevated liver enzymes. In a study on the effects of flaxseed consumption on liver enzymes, levels of two enzymes, AST and ALP, remained unaltered after four weeks of consuming 32.7 grams of flaxseed, according to a report in the March 2005 "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics." On a side note, there are some other non-liver disease related causes of elevated liver enzymes. One cause can be certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as statin drugs to control cholesterol and acetaminophen. AST and ALP levels can also be elevated when bile duct gallstones are present.
Benefits of Flaxseed
Flaxseed has not been shown to increase liver enzymes but has many benefits to its consumption. A analysis of 28 studies concluded that flaxseed reduces total and LDL, or "bad," cholesterol concentrations. Whole flaxseed had the greatest effect on cholesterol levels and it had a greater effect on women, especially post-menopausal women. Flaxseed is also high in soluble fiber and can be taken as a laxative. Lignan is a chemical found in flaxseed that mimics the actions of estrogen and may prevent against cancer. It is still being researched for its preventive measures against cancer and the ability to reduce breast tumor growth.
Precautions
Always consult your doctor with any unusual lab results or before trying any new or alternative treatments. Elevated liver enzymes are a serious concern and could signify liver disease. The consumption of flaxseed may interfere with the absorption of some oral medications; be sure to take flaxseed and other medications at a separate time. Consult your physician before ingesting lignan or flaxseed supplements. The supplemental form of these substances are more concentrated and are absorbed differently than those from food sources. If consuming flaxseed as a fiber supplement be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
References
- Stuglin C, Prasad K. "Effect of flaxseed consumption on blood pressure, serum lipids, hemopoietic system and liver and kidney enzymes in healthy humans." Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics [serial online]. March 2005;10(1):23-27. Available from: Biological Abstracts, Ipswich, MA. Accessed December 25, 2010.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed
- NCCAM: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
- Liver Enzymes
- Mayoclinic: Elevated Liver Enzymes
- Pan A, Yu D, Demark-Wahnefried W. Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipids. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009;90(2):288--297.
