Chia Seed Oil by Indiana Botanic Gardens

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Hyperlipidemia. Clinical research suggests that alpha-linolenic acid does not lower lipid levels in adults with hyperlipidemia. Details: A meta-analysis of 20 small clinical trials in patients with hyperlipidemia shows that taking foods or supplements containing alpha-linolenic acid does not reduce lipid levels when compared with control (104256). The findings from this analysis are limited by the heterogeneity of the alpha-linolenic acid supplementation regimens and patient populations.

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Atherosclerosis. Some research suggests that increasing dietary alpha-linolenic acid intake may decrease atherosclerosis. Details: Epidemiological research in White adults has found that high dietary intake of linolenic acid is associated with reduced calcified atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries. Most dietary linolenic acid is alpha-linolenic acid (only a small fraction is gamma-linolenic acid). For every gram of linolenic acid consumed, risk of coronary artery calcification appears to decrease by 62% (12990). The effects of linolenic acid intake in other populations are unclear.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for atopic dermatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition.
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is unclear if alpha-linolenic acid is beneficial in patients with ADHD. Details: Small clinical trials show that taking alpha-linolenic acid does not improve symptoms of previously untreated ADHD in children aged 6-16 years. Taking alpha-linolenic acid 1 gram daily for 8 weeks, or taking a combination of alpha-linolenic acid 60 mg, linoleic acid 240 mg, mineral oil 95 mg, and alpha-tocopherol 5 mg twice daily for 7 weeks does not affect ADHD symptom scores when compared with placebo (100660,100661). However, these studies might have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups.
• Cancer. It is unclear if increased dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid affects mortality in patients with cancer. Details: A large meta-analysis of prospective, observational studies has found that high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid is associated with a 6% increased risk of mortality from cancer when compared with low dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid (106661).
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). Population research has found that increased dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid may have some benefit for CVD, but results from clinical research are generally less positive. Details: A large meta-analysis of prospective, observational studies has found that high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid is associated with an 8% or 11% reduced risk of mortality from CVD or coronary heart disease (CHD), respectively, when compared with low dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid. A dose-response analysis and meta-analysis show that a 1-gram increase in daily dietary intake is associated with a 5% reduction in CVD mortality (106661,107741). Other population research has found that consumption of 1-2 grams of dietary alpha-linolenic acid daily is associated with a reduced risk of a first myocardial infarction (MI) by as much as 59% in both males and females (7152,7156). The risk of fatal ischemic heart disease is reduced by 65% in females (7153). In patients who have had a previous MI, following a Mediterranean diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid (1.2-1.6 grams daily) and low in saturated fat and cholesterol for 27 months appears to reduce the risk for a second MI by 73% and the risk for death from any cause by 70% when compared to the standard postinfarction diet (7150). Overall, increasing dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid by 1-1.2 grams daily appears to reduce the risk of fatal coronary heart disease by 20% in people with no history of heart disease and by 20% or more in people with existing heart disease (12978,91403). However, clinical research has not supported these findings. A meta-analysis of a small number of low to moderate quality clinical studies shows that higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid has little to no benefit for primary prevention of CVD, and does not reduce all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, or CHD events. Any reductions in CVD mortality, arrhythmias, or CHD events in individual trials are very small (103955). This may be due in part to the difficulty in separating the effects of alpha-linolenic acid from those of other dietary, lifestyle, or drug interventions (12917). Some research suggests alpha-linolenic acid has a greater effect on coronary heart disease when intake of fish oils is low (12989).
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for COPD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition.
• Cognitive function. It is unclear if oral alpha-linolenic acid improves cognitive function in healthy adults.
• Crohn disease. Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for Crohn disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition.
• Crohn disease. Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for Crohn disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition.
• Depression. It is unclear if oral alpha-linolenic acid is beneficial in patients with depression. Details: Clinical research in patients aged 60-80 years who have had a myocardial infarction shows that consuming margarine containing alpha-linolenic acid 2 grams daily for 40 months does not reduce symptoms of depression when compared with placebo margarine (104978).
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral alpha-linolenic acid is beneficial in patients with diabetes. Details: Epidemiological research involving overweight and obese individuals has found that eating at least 1.69 grams alpha-linolenic acid daily is associated with a 45% to 47% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared with eating only 0.73 grams daily. However, higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid does not appear to be associated with a reduced risk of diabetes in people who are not overweight (101025). In patients with diabetes, epidemiological research shows that lower intake of alpha-linolenic acid is associated with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy (101024). However, a meta-analysis of clinical research in adults with diabetes who are stable on oral antidiabetic medications shows that adding alpha-linolenic acid 1.5-7.4 grams daily, in the form of flaxseed oil, walnuts, or chia seeds, to a regular diet for 2-12 months does not improve glycemic control when compared with placebo (98002).
• Influenza. Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for influenza, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition.
• Hypertension. Some research suggests that increasing dietary alpha-linolenic acid may decrease the risk of hypertension. Details: Epidemiological research has found that high dietary intake of linolenic acid is associated with a reduced risk of hypertension in White adults. Most dietary linolenic acid is alpha-linolenic acid (only a small fraction is gamma-linolenic acid). Eating a diet high in linolenic acid seems to reduce the risk of hypertension by about 33% (12991). The effects of linolenic acid intake in other populations are unclear.
• Kidney transplant. Observational research suggests that alpha-linolenic acid is not beneficial after a kidney transplant, and may actually increase the risk of mortality. Details: Epidemiological research has found that dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid is not associated with improved graft function in kidney transplant. However, kidney transplant recipients in the highest tertile of alpha-linolenic acid intake appear to have a 2.2-fold increased risk of death from any cause when compared with those in the lowest tertile of dietary intake (98003). It is not clear whether this difference is specifically due to alpha-linolenic acid intake or to total fat intake.
• Migraine headache. Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for migraine headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition.
• Multiple sclerosis. Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for MS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition.
• Overall mortality. It is unclear if increased dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid affects all-cause mortality. Details: A large meta-analysis of prospective, observational studies has found that high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid is associated with a 10% reduced risk of all-cause mortality when compared with low dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid. A dose-response analysis shows that a 1-gram increase in daily dietary intake is associated with a 5% reduction in overall mortality (106661). However, a meta-analysis of 250,000 individuals did not find an association between dietary alpha-linolenic acid intake and all-cause mortality (107741). The validity of this finding is limited by the use of dietary surveys to assess intake and the heterogeneity of the included studies.
• Prostate cancer. There is contradictory evidence about the role of alpha-linolenic acid in prostate cancer. Details: Some epidemiologic research suggests that high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid is associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer (1337,2558,7823,7147,12978). Other research suggests high intake or serum levels of alpha-linolenic acid is not associated with increased levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) or the overall risk of prostate cancer (12961,15736,91402). However, it might increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer (12961). The best evidence to date, which comes from a meta-analysis of five prospective population studies, suggests that increasing intake of alpha-linolenic acid by 0.5 grams daily is associated with a modest 1% reduction in the risk of prostate cancer. However, this analysis is dominated by a single study. A meta-analysis of results from nine prospective population studies suggests that a 0.1% increase in blood levels of alpha-linolenic acid is not associated with prostate cancer risk (90677). Reasons for the discrepancies are not entirely clear, but the source of alpha-linolenic acid appears to be important. Alpha-linolenic acid from dairy and meat sources has been positively associated with prostate cancer. Alpha-linolenic acid from plant sources, such as flaxseed, may not affect prostate cancer risk (12909).
• Pneumonia. It is unclear if dietary alpha-linolenic acid reduces the risk for pneumonia. Details: Epidemiological research has found that increasing dietary alpha-linolenic acid consumption is associated with a reduced risk of community-acquired pneumonia (13760).
• Psoriasis. Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition.
• Respiratory tract infections. It is unclear if oral alpha-linolenic acid is beneficial for reducing the incidence of respiratory tract infections in children. Details: Preliminary clinical research in children aged 3-4 years shows that taking alpha-linolenic acid 855 mg, in combination with linoleic acid 596 mg daily from November through February in 2 consecutive years, might reduce the number of recurrent respiratory infections when compared with placebo (10785).
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is unclear if oral alpha-linolenic acid is beneficial in patients with RA. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking an alpha-linolenic acid-rich oil (flaxseed oil) for 3 months does not improve symptoms or laboratory parameters of RA when compared with baseline or with a linoleic acid-rich oil (safflower oil) (5898).
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for SLE, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition.
• Ulcerative colitis. Although there is interest in using oral alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for ulcerative colitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of ALA for this condition. More evidence is needed to rate alpha-linolenic acid for these uses.

(Read more about ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (ALA))

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Hyperlipidemia. A meta-analysis of small clinical studies suggests that consuming chia seeds, flour, powder, or oil for 7-24 weeks does not improve lipid levels in patients with conditions associated with hyperlipidemia. Details: A meta-analysis of 10 small clinical trials in patients with various metabolic conditions, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and obesity, shows that consuming chia seeds, flour, or powder 15-60 grams daily for 7-24 weeks, or taking chia oil 6 grams daily for 8 weeks, does not reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or triglyceride levels or increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels when compared with control groups consuming wheat bran, oat bran, dietary fiber, poppy seeds, or soybean oil (106657). While the patient populations in the studies analyzed are more likely to develop hyperlipidemia, it is unclear if these findings can be generalized to patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia.
• Obesity. Small clinical studies suggest that consuming chia seeds for up to 12 weeks does not reduce body weight in overweight or obese adults. Details: One small clinical study in overweight or obese individuals shows that ingesting chia seeds 25 grams mixed in 0.25 liters of water twice daily before meals for 12 weeks does not improve body composition or reduce blood pressure when compared with placebo (25533). Another small clinical study in overweight, postmenopausal females shows that ingesting milled or whole chia seeds 25 grams daily for 10 weeks does not improve body composition or blood pressure when compared to baseline (25532).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral chia is beneficial for improving athletic performance. Details: A small clinical study in trained athletes shows that drinking a beverage containing 50% of calories from chia seeds (Greens Plus Omega 3 Chia seeds) and 50% of calories from a carbohydrate-containing beverage (Gatorade) for 2 days prior to participating in an endurance exercise lasting more than 90 minutes leads to similar performance when compared with Gatorade alone (25531).
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although there has been interest in using oral chia for CVD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chia for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Small clinical studies suggest that consuming chia for 4-6 months might reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) in patients with type 2 diabetes, although it does not appear to improve glycemic control or lipid levels and has shown mixed effects on body weight and inflammatory markers. Details: One small clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that consuming bread containing a specific, selectively bred type of chia (Salba, Salba Smart Natural Products LLC), providing 37 grams of chia daily for 12 weeks reduces SBP, C-reactive protein, and vonWillebrand factor, but not lipid levels, when compared with consuming bread containing wheat bran. This form of chia also significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) when compared to baseline, but not when compared with a wheat bran control (16124). Another small clinical study in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity shows that consuming Salba chia 40 grams daily, either baked into bread or as a powder, in conjunction with a restricted calorie diet for 6 months reduces weight by 1.6 kg and waist circumference by 2.8 cm when compared with an oat bran control. However, consuming chia had no effect on body fat percentage, HbA1c, or fasting glucose levels (97940). Also, a small clinical study in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that consuming chia seeds 40 grams daily for 12 weeks reduces SBP, but does not improve body weight, HbA1c, or levels of fasting glucose, lipids, or C-reactive protein, when compared with those not consuming chia (106658).
• Hypertension. It is unclear if oral chia is beneficial in patients with hypertension. Details: A very small clinical study in patients with mild hypertension shows that consuming chia flour 35 grams daily for 12 weeks reduces systolic blood pressure (SBP) by around 10 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by almost 9 mm Hg when compared to baseline. In patients already taking antihypertensive drugs, chia seems to have an even greater impact on SBP and DBP. However, in patients not being treated with antihypertensive drugs, chia flour modestly reduces SBP by 6.5%, but does not significantly reduce DBP. No improvements in blood pressure were reported in patients consuming a wheat bran control (91516).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral chia is beneficial in patients with NAFLD. Details: Small, uncontrolled clinical studies in patients with NAFLD show that consuming milled chia seeds 25 grams daily for 8 weeks may reduce hepatic steatosis, as measured by the liver: spleen attenuation ratio, in up to 43% of subjects with prediabetes and 100% of subjects with diabetes when compared to baseline. Chia seed supplementation may also modestly reduce visceral fat, body mass index, and waist circumference in patients with prediabetes when compared to baseline, but does not seem to improve lipid levels (104530,110438). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group in both studies.
• Metabolic syndrome. Oral chia has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in patients with metabolic syndrome shows that reducing daily caloric intake by 500 kcal and drinking a beverage containing chia seed 4 grams, soy protein 32 grams, dehydrated nopal 7 grams, and oat 22 grams daily for 2 months reduces body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference when compared to baseline, but not when compared with following a reduced calorie diet alone. However, following the reduced calorie diet and drinking this beverage appears to lower serum triglycerides and C-reactive protein and improve glucose tolerance when compared with a reduced calorie diet alone (25534). It is unclear if these findings are due to chia, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Muscle strength. It is unclear if oral chia is beneficial for increasing muscle strength and muscle mass during resistance training. Details: A very small clinical trial in healthy, non-resistance trained males shows that drinking a supplemental beverage containing chia flour 50 grams, providing 20 grams of protein and 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, is no more effective than whey protein 20 grams or placebo for augmenting the increases in muscle strength and fat-free mass that occur with an 8-week whole body resistance training program (112385). The habitual baseline diet of the study participants already contained dietary protein intakes recommended for strength training, and the beverage was only consumed three times per week immediately after training sessions.
• Pruritus. It is unclear if topical chia seed oil is beneficial in patients with pruritus. Details: One very small, uncontrolled clinical study in patients with xerotic pruritus or pruritus caused by kidney failure or diabetes shows that applying lotion containing chia seed oil 4% for 8 weeks improves skin hydration and reduces the severity of lichen simplex chronicus and prurigo nodularis when compared to baseline (25537). The validity of these findings is limited by the small study size and lack of a comparator group. More evidence is needed to rate chia for these uses.

(Read more about CHIA)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Coronary heart disease (CHD). Supporting, but not conclusive, evidence suggests that consuming fats and oils rich in oleic acid might reduce the risk of CHD (26466,95745,98563,101821). However, the relationship between blood levels of oleic acid and risk of CHD or CVD is unclear (101832,101834,101838). In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that it would allow a qualified health claim stating that replacing dietary fats and oils higher in saturated fat with oils containing at least 70% oleic acid may reduce the risk of CHD. To achieve this benefit, high-oleic acid containing oils should not increase total daily energy intake. The suggested daily dietary intake is about 20 grams (1.5 tablespoons) of high oleic acid oils in place of other fats and oils. These oils include olive oil, high-oleic acid sunflower oil, and high-oleic acid canola oil (98563). A meta-analysis of clinical studies shows that replacing 7.5% of energy from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with high oleic acid sunflower oil can reduce coronary heart disease risk by about 9% to 19%. Furthermore, analysis of results from observational studies found that replacing partially hydrogenated oil with high oleic acid sunflower oil is associated with a 16% to 35% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease events (95745). Clinical research in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk shows that taking high-oleic acid canola oil 60 grams per 3000 kcal of energy daily as part of a fixed composition diet for 4-6 weeks reduces the Framingham 10-year coronary heart disease risk scores by 6.8% compared to baseline (26466,101821). However, taking the high-oleic acid canola oil is no more effective than regular canola oil, which contains approximately 62% oleic acid (26466,101821). The relationship between blood levels of oleic acid and risk of CHD or CVD is unclear. While some population research has found that having the highest blood levels of oleic acid is associated with an increased risk of CVD when compared to having the lowest blood levels of oleic acid, other research suggests an inverse association or no association at all (101832,101834,101838). One study has found that having the highest blood levels of oleic acid is associated with a 1.4- to 2-fold increased risk of heart failure, other cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality (101832). In contrast, another found that the highest blood levels of oleic acid is associated with a 73% reduced risk of having a stroke (101838). A third study found no association at all between plasma levels of oleic acid and risk of heart failure (101834). The clinical significance of these findings is unclear, and results should not necessarily be extrapolated to dietary oleic acid (101832). While plasma oleic acid levels seem to be a weak indirect marker of moderate to high olive oil use, it is also a weak marker of intake of butter and avian fats (101838). Furthermore, there is no clear evidence that plasma levels of oleic acid directly correlate with dietary oleic acid, especially where dietary oleic acid intake is relatively low (101832). As a non-essential fatty acid, oleic acid is endogenously synthesized in the liver from saturated fats (101832,101834,101838).
• Hypercholesterolemia. Evidence from small studies shows that consuming oils rich in oleic acid as part of the diet in place of other dietary fats may improve cholesterol levels (21698,26466,67569,101821). Preliminary clinical research in patients with hypercholesterolemia shows that consuming oleic acid as part of a high oleic sunflower oil- or high oleic canola oil-rich diet for 3-4 weeks decreases total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by a moderate amount when compared with diets rich in palm oil, medium-chain triglycerides, or a blend of fats found in a regular Western diet (21698,67569). Other clinical research in patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor shows that consuming oleic acid as part of high oleic acid canola oil for up to 4 weeks reduces total cholesterol by up to 9.4% and LDL cholesterol by up to 12.5% compared to baseline or a diet higher in saturated fats. However, taking the high oleic acid canola oil is no more effective than regular canola oil, also a source of oleic acid (26466,101821).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Bladder cancer. Population research has found that the highest blood levels of oleic acid are associated with a 46% decreased risk of having bladder cancer when compared to the lowest blood levels (101844). However, plasma oleic acid levels are only a weak indirect marker of dietary intake of oleic acid. As a non-essential fatty acid, oleic acid is endogenously synthesized in the liver from saturated fats (101832,101834,101838). The effect of oleic acid supplementation on bladder cancer risk is unknown.
• Breast cancer. Population research has found no association between dietary fatty acid intake, including oleic acid, and the risk of breast cancer (96528). The effect of oleic acid supplementation on breast cancer risk is unknown.
• Depression. An observational study in perimenopausal patients aged 42-52 years has found that increasing dietary intake of oleic acid is associated with an increase in depression symptom scores. The odds ratio for depressive symptoms was approximately 2-fold higher for the highest quartile of oleic acid intake when compared with the lowest quartile (108924).
• Diabetes. A small clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking oleic acid as part of a low-fat diet containing 15% monounsaturated fatty acids for 3 weeks does not alter levels of total or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or the change in LDL oxidation when compared with taking linoleic acid as part of a low-fat diet containing 15% polyunsaturated fatty acids (101847).
• Diarrhea. Preliminary clinical research in patients with chronic diarrhea shows that taking oleic acid 1.6 or 3.2 mL before a meal reduces bowel movements over the next 24 hours by approximately 22% compared with taking no oleic acid. Intestinal transit time was also increased by 28 and 54 minutes, respectively (101848). Since the specific cause of chronic diarrhea differed among the patients included in this study, it is unclear if oleic acid is beneficial for most or only certain forms of chronic diarrhea.
• Hypertension. Preliminary clinical research in patients with central obesity and at least one other cardiovascular disease risk factor shows that taking oleic acid as high oleic acid canola oil for 4 weeks does not reduce systolic or diastolic blood pressure compared to baseline (26466).
• Obesity. Preliminary clinical research in patients with central obesity shows that taking oleic acid as high oleic acid canola oil for 4 weeks reduces abdominal fat mass by approximately 0.1 kg compared to baseline (98564). Other preliminary clinical research in patients with central adiposity and at least one other risk factor of cardiovascular disease shows that taking high oleic acid canola oil for 6 weeks reduces total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 3.4% and 5.6%, respectively, compared with a control oil lower in monounsaturated fats and higher in saturated fats (101821). However, in these studies, taking the high oleic acid canola oil is no more effective than regular canola oil, also a source of oleic acid (98564,101821). Any effect of oleic acid itself is unclear.
• Pancreatic cancer. The association between dietary oleic acid and pancreatic cancer risk is unclear. Most population research shows no association between dietary oleic acid and pancreatic cancer risk. However, one large population study has found that the highest intake of oleic acid, at least 23.7 grams daily, is associated with a 71% decreased risk of pancreatic cancer when compared with the lowest intake. The benefit is only observed in overweight or obese individuals. (101833). The effect of oleic acid supplementation on pancreatic cancer risk is unknown.
• Short bowel syndrome. A small preliminary clinical trial in patients with surgical short bowel syndrome of at least 2 years shows that taking oleic acid 3.2 mL in 50 mL of a beverage daily for 3 months does not reduce intestinal transit time or diarrhea, or improve body weight, when compared with placebo. In addition, energy absorption was reduced by 14% (101843).
• Stroke. Population research has found that highest blood levels of oleic acid are associated with a 73% reduced risk of stroke when compared with lowest blood levels of oleic acid (101838). However, plasma oleic acid levels are only a weak indirect marker of dietary oleic acid. As a non-essential fatty acid, oleic acid is endogenously synthesized in the liver from saturated fats (101832,101834,101838). The effect of oleic acid supplementation on stroke risk is unknown.
• Ulcerative colitis. Although some contradictory evidence exists, a large population study has found that, after adjusting for dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, highest dietary intake of oleic acid is associated with a 97% reduced odds of developing ulcerative colitis when compared with the lowest intake (101846). The effect of oleic acid supplementation on ulcerative colitis risk is unknown.

(Read more about OLEIC ACID)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts typically found in foods (7141,7142,7144). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of alpha-linolenic acid when used in larger, medicinal amounts.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts typically found in foods (7141,7142,7145). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of alpha-linolenic acid during pregnancy and lactation when used in larger, medicinal amounts; avoid using.

(Read more about ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (ALA))

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods (104531,104532).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts, short-term. Chia has been used safely at doses up to 40 grams daily for up to 6 months (16124,97940). ...when used topically, short-term. A product containing chia seed oil 4% has been applied to the skin safely for up to 8 weeks (25537).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about CHIA)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in food amounts. Edible oils containing high amounts of oleic acid are commonly used in foods (26466,90681,94452,101821,101824,101828,101830,101838). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oleic acid when used as medicine.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using in amounts greater than those commonly found in foods.

(Read more about OLEIC ACID)

(Read more about ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (ALA))

(Read more about CHIA)

(Read more about OLEIC ACID)

General ...Orally, alpha-linolenic acid from dietary sources is well tolerated when used in the diet as a replacement for other sources of fat, such as saturated fats.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: There is some concern that high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid might increase the risk for prostate cancer, although research is conflicting.

Oncologic ...Epidemiologic research suggests that high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid might increase risk for prostate cancer (1337,2558,7823,7147,12978). Other research suggests high intake or serum levels of alpha-linolenic acid does not increase the overall risk of prostate cancer (12961,15736); however, it might increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer (12961). Association with prostate cancer appears to depend on the sources of alpha-linolenic acid. Dairy and meat sources has been positively associated with prostate cancer, whereas plant sources, such as flaxseed, don't seem to affect prostate cancer risk (12909). According to a clinical trial, intake of alpha-linolenic acid does not appear to increase levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) (91402). Also, longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils are associated with a decreased risk of total and advanced prostate cancer (12961).

Other ...Alpha-linolenic acid is a type of fat, containing 9 kilocalories/gram, and may result in weight gain if consumed in excess. Patients should be advised that it's best to substitute alpha-linolenic acid in the diet for other sources of fat, such as saturated fats.

(Read more about ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (ALA))

General ...Orally and topically, chia seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Flatulence and soft stools.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.

Cardiovascular ...Chia contains a high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). There is some concern that ALA might increase triglyceride levels more than other omega-3 fatty acids (12918); however, clinical research with a specific variety of chia called Salba shows that it does not significantly increase triglyceride levels (16124).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, chia might cause mild gastrointestinal adverse effects. Some patients consuming chia 40 grams daily for up to 6 months reported mild and transient gastrointestinal adverse effects such as flatulence and soft stools; however, the frequency of these adverse effects was similar to patients consuming an oat bran control (97940). Bloating and flatulence have been reported with a chia flour-based sports beverage (112385).

Immunologic ...Orally, chia might cause anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. A single case of IgE-mediated anaphylactic reaction has been reported for a patient who consumed chia seeds. Symptoms, including pruritus in the mouth, urticaria, facial angioedema, shortness of breath, and dizziness, developed a few days after consuming chia seeds. The reaction was attributed to sensitivity to proteins in chia seeds (91517).

Oncologic ...Chia seeds contain a high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Epidemiologic research suggests that high dietary intake of ALA might increase risk for prostate cancer (1337,2558,7823,7147,12978). Other research suggests high intake or serum levels of ALA does not increase the overall risk of prostate cancer (12961,15736); however, it might increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer (12961). Association with prostate cancer appears to depend on the sources of ALA. Dairy and meat sources have been positively associated with prostate cancer, whereas plant sources, such as chia seed, don't seem to affect prostate cancer risk (12909). According to a clinical trial, intake of ALA does not appear to increase levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) (91402).

(Read more about CHIA)

General ...Orally, oleic acid generally well tolerated when used as part of oils and fats in the diet (26466,90681,94452,101821,101824,101828,101830,101838). Temporary burning in the mouth or throat has occurred in some patients (101848).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, oleic acid has caused temporary burning in the mouth or throat in some patients in one clinical study (101848).

(Read more about OLEIC ACID)