Evidence supporting the use of: Flax
For the health condition: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Flaxseed, particularly in its whole or ground form, is sometimes recommended for the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), mainly due to its high fiber content and potential to regulate bowel movements. Several small clinical studies and reviews have examined its effects on IBS symptoms, particularly constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C). The soluble fiber in flaxseed can help absorb water and form a gel-like substance, softening stool and aiding transit, while the insoluble fiber adds bulk. A randomized controlled trial published in 2012 found that ground flaxseed improved stool consistency and frequency in IBS-C patients compared to baseline, but results regarding pain and overall symptom relief were less consistent. Other studies have shown modest benefits for some IBS symptoms, but overall, the quality of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological weaknesses.

There is no strong traditional use of flaxseed specifically for IBS, though it has a long history as a remedy for general digestive issues and constipation. Current scientific validation for its use in IBS is modest, with most guidelines considering it a reasonable dietary intervention, especially for those seeking to increase fiber intake. However, it is not universally effective, and some individuals may experience worsening bloating or discomfort. Overall, while there is some scientific support, the evidence is not robust, and flaxseed should be recommended cautiously for IBS.

More about Flax
More about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Other ingredients used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

2'-Fucosyllactose
akkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
alpha-pinene
amino acids
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
Indian frankincense
butyrate triglyceride
chen pi
chia seed
chlorella
cinnamon
turmeric
curcumin
fennel
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
ginger
green banana
green tea
guar gum
cellulose
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lovage
marshmallow
oat
pectin
peppermint oil
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
butyric acid
psyllium
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
vitamin D
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
hyssop
atractylodes
ferula assafoetida
anise
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
chrysanthemum
senna
white oak
algae
Agastache
Asafoetida
Alexandrian senna
Agrimonia pilosa
Betony
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Boswellia
Bacillus licheniformis
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
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Cumin
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Products containing Flax

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