Assuring Pediatric Nutrition in the Community

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
General Nutrition - Flax seed oil

Is there any research suggesting the benefits of adding flax seed oil to a child's diet? A pediatrician mentioned to me that he recommends that all of his patients over the age of 1 year take flax seed oil daily.

The use of flax seed and its oil has become more popular in the past few years, primarily due to its fatty acid composition. The total fatty acid (FA) content of flax seed oil consists of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) while 16% comes from the omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA). ALA is converted to docosahexainoic acid (DHA), a long-chain FA that is readily incorporated into the lipids of the brain and retina during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first year of life.

Based on evidence that dietary omega 3 FA's, specifically DHA, are necessary for optimal nervous system, brain and visual acuity development, the majority of infant formulas in the US are supplemented with ALA. Several infant formulas in some European countries are fortified with DHA, ALA and arachadonic acid. Essential fatty acid deficiency has occurred in children fed fat-free formula and in patients receiving TPN devoid of lipids. Linoleic deficiency can lead to dermatitis and poor growth in children. Symptoms of linolenic acid deficiency include neurological changes, learning deficits and impaired visual acuity.

There is no evidence that supplementing a child's diet with flaxseed oil or any other type of fat will enhance physical growth or cognitive and behavioral development. However, research has indicated that omega-3 fatty acids (from both plant and animal sources) can decrease risk of death from heart disease and may play a role in the reduction of pain from arthritis. Along with the essential fatty acids, flaxseed also contains soluble and insoluble fiber plus substances called plant lignans. These lignans can function as both phytoestrogens and antioxidants and are being investigated for their possible cancer prevention benefits.

References
Mahan K, Escott Stump S, eds. Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy. WB Saunders Company. 1996:50-53.

Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter 1999.