The transition to menopause can cause some unpleasant symptoms in women. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 30 overweight peri-menopausal women receiving 40 g of brown (BF), golden (GF) flaxseed or a placebo for 12 weeks.

The results indicated that there was a significant reduction in intestinal permeability in the flaxseed groups, with a smaller delta of the lactulose/mannitol ratio (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the placebo group. In addition, LPS lipopolysaccharide levels were reduced in the flaxseed groups, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was decreased in the golden flaxseed (GF) group (p ≤ 0.05). However, flaxseed did not change markers of oxidative stress and blood glucose.

Therefore, flaxseed consumption, particularly golden flaxseed, reduced intestinal permeability and improved lipid profile, showing positive effects on metabolic changes caused by the menopausal transition.

Tomaz Sant’Ana C, Dias de Amorin A, Gava AP, Aguilar CM, Silva NG, Machado LD, Viana ML, Oliverira DS, Silva PI, Costa NMB, Costa AGV.. Brown and golden flaxseed reduce intestinal permeability and endotoxemia, and improve the lipid profile in perimenopausal overweight women. Int J Food Sci Nutr.2022 Mar 20;1-12.