Flax Q!

[YummyYumYumMama]

Just noticed that some of you ladies are taking flax seeds/oil. My MW told me to stay away from it while pregnant because it can have estrogenic effects. She said that some people say it's okay and some say it isn't.

I am vegetarian & don't eat fish. I used to take an algal omega 3 DHA supplement but it's really expensive and DISGUSTING and makes me want to vomit all over myself. Smart Balance & the eggs we eat both have omega 3's but I honestly have a hard time eating either of those on a daily basis. I always wish I could just get my vegetarian omega-3 flax supplement like I used to.

So... why isn't it okay? Is it okay in some quantities? Why do some doctors say it's okay and some don't? She said it was like eating too much soy - it CAN affect your hormones. But by how much? How safe/unsafe is it?? If it is safe then how much should I take? I used to just blend up a tablespoon of flax seeds into fruit smoothies. I'm not particular to flax oil - but I know they sell that in supplement form too.

[DucetteMama21842]

Sorry Ms. Muffin, I am of no help... just lurking for my own insight.

[crsta33]

I've heard that fish and flax oil supplements can lead to a longer gestation and/or a larger than average baby.

I can add to the latter anecdotally since my ds was born well over 10 lbs after a pg that included flax oil daily.

That's all I've heard though and other than my experience, I have nothing to back it up.

Christa

[kbuglove]

My granola has flax in it, and I eat it everyday for breakfast and since have had no constipation, or skin problems with this pregnancy. Not sure of the recent studies... but I'm going for it. Not taking oil or supplements of it, but eating it almost daily!
I'm a vegetarian and eat lots of soy too... but it works well with my body, so I go for it.

[Ceinwen]

I take 2 tablespoons of flax seed oil in my morning shake. It helps with, erm, bathroom issues I often have and my midwife said that was fine. I also have some ground flax in cereal I eat. I grow big babies anyway, so I'm not too worried. Funny how we can all hear different things, eh?

[kittywitty]

My midwife told me to take some. I was going to look into dosages, actually. I have never heard that. I just got some Omega and Flax cookies at the store (organic?), maybe you can just try to incorporate it more in other things you eat that are supplemented?

[YummyYumYumMama]

I miss flax. I miss not being constipated.

I just googled 'flax pregnancy' and found just as many articles saying that pregnant women should definitely take flax as there are articles saying that pregnant women should avoid flax. The sites that say to take them say that they can help with edema and constipation as well as provide a great source of omega-3's and that it's perfect for pregnant women who want to avoid fish oil. (Like me.) The sites that say not to take them say that they may or may not have an effect on estrogen just like soy and so it should be avoided. Well... I think if I were eating my body weight in flax & soy it might be a problem... but I do keep reading that it can bring on menstruation and other problems. Each site seems to have a completely different opinion! One tells me that it's a great idea for a healthy vegetarian pregnancy and the other says it will end my pregnancy and destroy my baby. Argh!

The most sensible articles say not to have the "excessive amount recommended by health professionals" but that a limited to moderate amount is okay. But it doesn't say what's excessive and what's a safe amount. One tbsp of flax oil is recommended or 2 tbsp of flax meal is recommended by some health professionals - is this excessive or safe? If anyone has heard anything on that let me know. And I'd love more feedback on whether or not you think it's safe to take it. I would definitely rather be safe than sorry... but it'd be way easier for me to incorporate it into my daily diet than a bunch of other vegetarian omega 3 sources.

[Elsaraw]

MmeMuffin, there is a great supplement in vegi-caps called Omega-Zen (I get it at Whole Foods). It's vegan and good quality.

[YummyYumYumMama]

Elsaraw - I had heard about that and checked out my local Whole Foods. But they didn't carry that brand - just a bunch of flax or fish oil capsules!

I ordered it online at veganessentials.com. How long of a shelf life do they have? I got a bit overzealous and ordered 4 bottles to take me through the rest of my pregnancy and then some.

[Elsaraw]

They'll last a long time. I just finished a bottle that was over a year old, at least!!!
Btw, all whole foods will special order items for you... next time to save on shipping

[YummyYumYumMama]

Rats. Should have waited for your reply before ordering. Oh well. Sometime next week or so I will have my omega-3 solution!