Evidence supporting the use of: Flaxseed
For the body system: Prostate

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Synopsis

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

Flaxseed has been investigated for its potential role in supporting prostate health, particularly in relation to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer risk. Flaxseed is a rich source of lignans (phytoestrogens) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which have been studied for their possible anti-inflammatory and hormone-modulating properties. Some small clinical trials and animal studies have suggested that flaxseed supplementation may help reduce prostate size or slow the progression of prostate cancer by modulating androgen metabolism and reducing cell proliferation. For example, a 2008 randomized controlled trial by Demark-Wahnefried et al. found that men scheduled for prostatectomy who consumed flaxseed showed lower rates of tumor cell proliferation compared to controls. However, the sample sizes in such studies have been small, and results are not always consistent across research.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that while there is some preliminary evidence for a modest benefit, the overall quality and quantity of the evidence remains limited and inconclusive. Larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish clear recommendations. Thus, while flaxseed is used with some scientific rationale for prostate health, the evidence is not strong or definitive at this time.

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