Botanical
Flaxseed
Flaxseed, also called linseed, is the seed of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum. It supplies fiber, lignans and the plant omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Also listed as Flaxseed Oil, Flax Seed, Organic Flaxseed Oil, Flaxseed Powder
Seeds, oil, and extracts
Flaxseed products include oil, lignan extracts, and mucilage preparations. A claim based on one preparation needs to be read in that context. 1
Preparation matters
Grinding or chewing can release cyanide from naturally occurring compounds. Cooking or baking reduces this risk; BfR also flags cadmium as a reason to limit daily seed intake. 2
Sources
- Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil NCCIH, 2025
- Blausäure und Cadmium in Leinsamen BfR, 2026