Synopsis

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

Flax fiber, derived from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), is a rich source of dietary fiber and contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. Its use in supporting Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, has some scientific basis, though the evidence is still limited and not uniformly strong. Several animal studies and a handful of small human trials suggest that flax fiber may exert beneficial effects on gut health. These benefits appear to arise from its capacity to increase stool bulk, promote regular bowel movements, and modulate the gut microbiota, which can influence inflammation levels in the gut. Additionally, flax fiber is a source of lignans, which have been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties in some contexts.

However, clinical evidence specifically evaluating flax fiber for IBD is sparse. Most human studies focus on general gut health or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and only a few address IBD patients directly. Some reports suggest that dietary fiber, in general, may reduce disease flare-ups and improve quality of life in IBD, but the evidence for flax fiber specifically is not robust. Furthermore, fiber supplementation is not always recommended during active disease flares, as it may exacerbate symptoms in some individuals. Therefore, while there is a plausible scientific rationale for using flax fiber in IBD, the strength of direct clinical evidence is modest, warranting a low-to-moderate evidence rating.

More about Flax Fiber
More about Inflammatory Bowel Disorders

Other ingredients used for Inflammatory Bowel Disorders

Other health conditions supported by Flax Fiber

Products containing Flax Fiber