Evidence supporting the use of: Flax
For the body system: Estrogen

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is scientifically supported as a dietary source that can impact the estrogen body system, primarily due to its high content of lignans. Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen—plant compounds that can exert weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects in the body. Multiple clinical and preclinical studies have shown that flaxseed lignans, particularly secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), are converted by intestinal bacteria into enterolignans (enterodiol and enterolactone), which can bind to estrogen receptors and modulate estrogen activity.

Research indicates that flaxseed consumption can influence estrogen metabolism, often increasing the production of less potent estrogen metabolites. Some randomized controlled trials have found that flaxseed supplementation can reduce breast cancer risk markers, such as cell proliferation in breast tissue, especially among postmenopausal women. Flaxseed has also been shown to help manage menopausal symptoms and may modestly impact menstrual cycle regularity and hormone levels in premenopausal women.

While more research is needed to clarify the long-term effects and establish optimal dosages, the evidence supporting flaxseed’s role in modulating estrogenic activity is robust and recognized in the scientific literature. Thus, flaxseed is considered scientifically validated for supporting the estrogen body system.

More about Flax
More about Estrogen

Products containing Flax

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.