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Due to its high content of lignans, α-linolenic acid and fiber, flaxseed may reduce cardiovascular disease risk in humans. The present study evaluated the effect of flaxseed on markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy menopausal women.

One hundred ninety-nine women were randomly assigned to consume 40 g daily of flaxseed or wheat germ placebo for 12 mo. Fatty acids, apolipoproteins A-1 and B, lipoprotein(a), low-density lipoprotein particle size, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, insulin, and glucose were measured at baseline and at 12 mo.

In total 179 women were available for the intention-to-treat analysis. Flaxseed increased plasma α-linolenic (P < 0.0001), docosapentaenoic (P = 0.001), and total ω-3 fatty (P = 0.0004) acids. Differences between flaxseed and wheat germ were observed for apolipoprotein A-1 (−0.10 ± 0.26 g/L, P = 0.011) and apolipoprotein B (−0 …