Flaxseed no help for hot flashes during breast cancer or menopause
The randomized, placebo-controlled study followed 188 women between October and December 2009 and found no statistically significant difference in mean hot flash scores between women taking flaxseed and those taking a placebo. Preliminary data published in 2007 by Mayo Clinic investigators had suggested that consuming 40 grams of crushed flaxseed daily might help manage hot flashes.
“Hot flashes are common among women during the menopause transition or following breast cancer treatment,” says Dr. Pruthi, of Mayo Clinic's Breast Diagnostic Clinic. “While preliminary data from our 2007 pilot study showed a reduction in hot flashes associated with the consumption of ground flaxseed, our new study did not result in a significant decrease in hot flashes with eating flaxseed compared to placebo.”
Dr. Pruthi says patients shouldn't give up flaxseed if they enjoy it. “Flaxseed may be beneficial for people who want to add fiber and bulk to their diet to manage constipation,” says Dr. Pruthi, “but more research is needed to identify whether flaxseed has any other health benefits.”
Other study investigators include Rui Qin, Ph.D., Heshan Liu, Charles Loprinzi, M.D., who is the Regis Professor of Breast Cancer Research, and Debra Barton, Ph.D., all of Mayo Clinic.
About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.com and www.mayoclinic.org/news.
Media Contact
More Information:
http://www.mayo.eduAll latest news from the category: Studies and Analyses
innovations-report maintains a wealth of in-depth studies and analyses from a variety of subject areas including business and finance, medicine and pharmacology, ecology and the environment, energy, communications and media, transportation, work, family and leisure.
Newest articles
New anti-cancer agent works without oxygen
Why tumors shrink but don’t disappear. “As tumors grow very quickly, consume a lot of oxygen and their vascular growth can’t necessarily keep pace, they often contain areas that are…
First blueprint of the human spliceosome revealed
Researchers detail the inner workings of the most complex and intricate molecular machine in human biology. Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona have created the first…
A paper-aluminum combo for strong, sustainable packaging
Takeout containers get your favorite noodles from the restaurant to your dining table (or couch) without incident, but they are nearly impossible to recycle if they are made from foil-lined…