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The Effects of Flaxseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Supplementation on Anthropometric Indices: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Publisher Pubmed



Musazadeh V1, 2 ; Abolghasemian M3 ; Kavyani Z4 ; Moridpour AH5 ; Nazari A6 ; Faghfouri AH7
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Student research committee, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Hygiene and Food Safety, Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition & Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Student Research Committee, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
  6. 6. Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. Maternal and Childhood Obesity Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

Source: Complementary Therapies in Medicine Published:2024


Abstract

Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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 © 2024 The Authors
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