Flaxseed supplementation improved insulin resistance in obese glucose intolerant people: a randomized crossover design

Abstract

BackgroundObesity leads to an increase in inflammation and insulin resistance. This study determined antioxidant activity of flaxseed and its role in inflammation and insulin resistance in obese glucose intolerant people.MethodsUsing a randomized crossover design, nine obese glucose intolerant people consumed 40 g ground flaxseed or 40 g wheat bran daily for 12 weeks with a 4-week washout period. Plasma inflammation biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6), glucose, insulin, and thiobaribituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were measured before and after of each supplementation.ResultsFlaxseed supplementation decreased TBARS (p = 0.0215) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.0382). Flaxseed or wheat bran supplementation did not change plasma inflammatory biomarkers. A positive relationship was found between TBARS and HOMA-IR (r = 0.62, p = 0.0003).ConclusionsThe results of the study weakly support that decreased insulin resistance might have been secondary to antioxidant activity of flaxseed. However, the mechanism(s) of decreased insulin resistance by flaxseed should be further determined using flaxseed lignan.

Flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside improves insulin sensitivity through upregulation of GLUT4 expression in diet-induced obese mice

“…In line with the present study, a clinical study in men and post-menopausal women, a dose of 40 g ground flaxseed-based product or matching wheat bran product for 10 weeks reduced HOMA-IR index (Bloedon et al, 2008). Similarly, a recent study in obese glucose intolerant people who consumed 40 g of ground flaxseed for 12 weeks showed significant improvement of the HOMA-IR index (Rhee & Brunt, 2011). In the current study, we have also calculated the HOMA-β index.…”

Effect of dietary fiber on circulating C-reactive protein in overweight and obese adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Most were excluded by screening abstracts or titles. After assessing the full text of 35 eligible studies, we finally yielded 14 RCTs ( Figure 1) (Andersson et al, 2007;Brownlee et al, 2010;Dall'Alba et al, 2013;de Mello et al, 2011;Georg Jensen et al, 2012;Jenkins et al, 2002;Johansson-Persson et al, 2014;Katcher et al, 2008;King et al, 2007King et al, , 2008Kohl et al, 2009;Kristensen et al, 2012;Rhee & Brunt, 2011;Wood et al, 2006). The main reasons for further exclusion were as follows: (1) the participants were not overweight/obese adults; (2) the study design was not RCT; and (3) the data were insufficient to calculate CRP changes.…”

Transgenic flax overexpressing polyphenols as a potential anti-inflammatory dietary agent

“…Plasma and erythrocyte TBARS were also reduced in these mice. Flaxseed supplementation reduced plasma TBARS in obese people intolerant to glucose (Rhee & Brunt, 2011).…”