The risk of osteoporosis in women with diabetes and in post-menopausal women may be cut by consuming flaxseed oil, according to research.
Research indicates that markers of osteoporosis are reduced by flaxseed oil consumption, with a measurable benefit for bone mineral density.
The 2009 study was done by a team based at the National Research Centre in Cairo and the findings were published here.
Osteoporosis happens when the bones lose mass, leading to higher risk of fractures, especially the hips, spine and wrists.
Flaxseed oil is extracted from the seeds of Linum usitatissimum. We confidently offer certified organic flaxseed oil, and ground flaxseed.
In osteoporosis, bone density gradually decreases over time. In most people it’s not discovered until the condition is quite advanced.
Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men and the authors of this study explained that previous research indicates that diabetes adds to the risk factors.
While the study was undertaken on rats, the results indicated that bone mineral density and bone content in the diabetic group were reduced and this abnormality was resolved after receiving flaxseed oil.
Measurable markers for bone resorption in urine that are associated with osteoporosis were reduced in the group receiving flaxseed oil.
The research team concluded that diabetes is an incredibly significant risk factor for osteoporosis and they suggest that diabetes in post-menopausal women may pose a greater risk for osteoporosis than the natural decline in sex hormones associated with menopause. These risks can be reduced by the consumption of flaxseed oil.
This study preceded more recent investigations. In 2019, research concluded that consumption of flaxseed oil helped offset the bone loss induced by a high fat diet. Again, this study was in rodents, but the mechanism was encouraging – it seems the flaxseed oil actually stimulated bone strengthening.
In yet another study, (published in 2020) flaxseed extract was found to be more effective in increasing bone density than the rodents receiving vitamin D and calcium supplementation.
Flaxseed oil is best consumed as a food. It can be used to make vinaigrette, as a drizzle over vegetables and pasta dishes or in place of butter in mashed potatoes. Just don’t cook with it. It can also be infused with herbs. Refrigerate after opening.