Flaxseed oil is made from ground and pressed flaxseeds, traditionally used as laxatives and for wound healing. Humans have used flaxseed oil for thousands of years, and it has a variety of health benefits. Manufacturers extract flaxseed oil from flaxseeds. People can use oil in cooking and baking. Flaxseed oil contains many active compounds that are thought to provide benefits, including:
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid
• Linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid
• Oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid
• Fiber
• Lignans, glycosides, and peptides
Flaxseed oil dietary supplements have gained popularity in recent years due to their potential health benefits. Purported flaxseed oil benefits include lowering inflammation, preventing heart disease, and promoting digestive health.
While flaxseed oil is generally considered safe, there have been some reports of it causing heart palpitations. In this article, we will explore whether or not flaxseed oil can cause heart palpitations and what the possible mechanisms behind this effect might be.
What Are Heart Palpitations?
Before we delve into whether flaxseed oil can cause heart palpitations, let’s first define what heart palpitations are. Heart palpitations are sensations of a racing, fluttering, or pounding heart. They can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck, and they may occur sporadically or regularly. Heart palpitations can be caused by a number of factors, including anxiety, stress, caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications. In most cases, heart palpitations are not serious and do not require medical treatment. However, if they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, medical attention should be sought.
Flaxseed Oil and Heart Palpitations
There have been a few case reports and anecdotal accounts suggesting that flaxseed oil can cause heart palpitations. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. In a review of the literature published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers concluded that there is no convincing evidence that flaxseed oil causes heart palpitations or any other adverse cardiovascular effects. However, they did note that some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of flaxseed oil than others, and that further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of flaxseed oil supplementation. According to Mayo Clinic alpha-linolenic acid, which is found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil, might even benefit people with heart disease.
Possible Mechanisms of Flaxseed Oil-Induced Heart Palpitations
While there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that flaxseed oil can cause heart palpitations, there are some possible mechanisms by which it could have this effect. One potential mechanism is related to the high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flaxseed oil. ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the body. EPA and DHA are well-known for their cardioprotective effects, but ALA has been less extensively studied in this regard.
Some studies have suggested that high doses of ALA may have proarrhythmic effects, meaning that they can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart and cause arrhythmias such as heart palpitations. One study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that high doses of ALA increased the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common type of arrhythmia, in a group of elderly individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to note that this study used doses of ALA that are much higher than those typically consumed in the diet or through flaxseed oil supplementation.
Another possible mechanism by which flaxseed oil could cause heart palpitations is through its effects on blood pressure. Flaxseed oil has been shown to have modest blood pressure-lowering effects in some studies. While this is generally considered a positive effect, excessively low blood pressure can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and palpitations. Therefore, it is possible that some individuals who are particularly sensitive to changes in blood pressure could experience heart palpitations as a result of flaxseed oil supplementation.
It is also possible that some individuals may be allergic to flaxseed, and this could potentially lead to heart palpitations. Flaxseed allergies are relatively rare, but they can cause a range of symptoms, including skin rash, itching, hives, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, an allergic reaction to flaxseed can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
If an individual is allergic to flaxseed and experiences heart palpitations after consuming flaxseed oil or other flaxseed products, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Anaphylaxis can cause a rapid and severe drop in blood pressure, which can lead to shock and organ failure if not treated promptly. Therefore, anyone with a known allergy to flaxseed should avoid consuming flaxseed oil or any other products that contain flaxseed.
Conclusion
While there have been some reports of flaxseed oil causing heart palpitations, the evidence to support this claim is limited. There is no convincing scientific evidence that flaxseed oil causes heart palpitations or other adverse cardiovascular effects. However, some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of flaxseed oil than others, and further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of flaxseed oil supplementation.
If an individual experiences heart palpitations after consuming flaxseed oil or other flaxseed products, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying cardiovascular problems or allergic reactions. In most cases, heart palpitations are not serious and do not require medical treatment. However, if they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, medical attention should be sought immediately.
