The effects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on anthropometric indices: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

• Published in: Complementary therapies in medicine Vol. 84; p. 103066
• Main Authors: Musazadeh, Vali, Abolghasemian, MohammadReza, Kavyani, Zeynab, Moridpour, Amir Hossein, Nazari, Ahmad, Faghfouri, Amir Hossein
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024; Elsevier Limited; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bias; Body mass index; Body weight; Cardiovascular disease; Clinical trials; Flaxseed; Heavy metals; Hyperlipidemia; Linum usitatissimum; Meta-analysis; Metabolism; Obesity; Obesity indices; Overweight; Reviews; Software; Supplements; Systematic review; Weight control; Obesity indices; Linum usitatissimum; Systematic review; Flaxseed; Meta-analysis
• ISSN: 0965-2299; 1873-6963; 1873-6963
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103066

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation has shown promise as an anti-obesity agent in various clinical trials, although results have been inconsistent. To provide a more accurate assessment of the impact of flaxseed supplementation on anthropometric indices, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. We searched several international databases until August 2023, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were analyzed using a random-effects model. Sixty-four trials comprising 72 treatment arms were included. All studies reported the intervention types (Lignans, Whole flaxseed, and Flaxseed oil) and dosage. However, three studies did testing for purity, and 40 studies reported potency. Also, the risk of contamination with heavy metals was not mentioned in studies. Another limitation was the lack of blind evaluation in the studies. According to three trials included in the systematic review, flaxseed did not affect anthropometric indices. Our meta-analysis revealed significant reductions in body weight (WMD = −0.63 kg; 95 % CI: −1.00, −0.27, P < 0.001; I2 = 76.7 %, P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: −0.24 kg/m2, 95 % CI: −0.36, −0.11, P < 0.001; I2 = 78.5 %, P < 0.001) and waist circumference (WC) (WMD: −1.43 cm, 95 % CI: −2.06, −0.80, P < 0.001; I2 = 81.1 %, P < 0.001) following flaxseed supplementation. Subgroup analyses indicated that interventions lasting 10–20 weeks, and studies involving subjects with higher BMI (>30 kg/m2) showed more significant anti-obesity effects. Based on the GRADE evaluation, body weight, BMI, and WC results were considered as moderate-certainty evidence. Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that supplementation with flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) leads to meaningful improvements in body weight, BMI, and WC. Therefore, flaxseed can be considered as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in improving obesity ●67 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.●All studies reported the intervention types (Lignans, Whole flaxseed, and Flaxseed oil) and dosage. However, three studies did testing for purity, and 40 studies reported potency.●According to three trials included in the systematic review, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) did not affect obesity indices.●Flaxseed led to a meaningful improvement in BW, BMI, and WC based on the findings of the meta-analysis.●Also, the risk of contamination with heavy metals was not mentioned in studies. Another limitation was the lack of blind evaluation in the studies.●Based on the GRADE evaluation, body weight, BMI, and WC results were considered as moderate-certainty evidence, thus, flaxseed supplementation can be administered as the adjuvant therapy in managing obesity.