Brown and golden flaxseed reduce intestinal permeability and endotoxemia, and improve the lipid profile in perimenopausal overweight women

Abstract

The effect of brown and golden flaxseeds on lipid profile, oxidative stress, intestinal permeability, endotoxemia, and fasting glycaemia of perimenopausal overweight women was investigated in this clinical trial. Thirty participants were divided into control (CG), brown flaxseed (BF), and golden flaxseed (GF) groups. BF and GF received 40 g of brown and golden flaxseed for 12 weeks. Venous blood samples were collected at the beginning and at the end. Intestinal permeability analysis was performed by urinary excretion of lactulose and mannitol. There was significant reduction in intestinal permeability in flaxseed groups, with delta of lactulose/mannitol ratio smaller (p ≤ 0.05). LPS levels were reduced in the flaxseed groups, whereas low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was decreased in the GF group (p ≤ 0.05). Flaxseed consumption did not change oxidative stress markers and glycaemia. Flaxseed consumption, especially golden flaxseed, reduced intestinal permeability and improved the lipid profile, showing positive effects on metabolic changes caused by menopausal transition. HIGHLIGHTS Brown and golden flaxseeds show a high content of insoluble fibre and alpha-linolenic acid, and brown flaxseed presented higher antioxidant activity. Golden flaxseed improved the lipid profile. Brown and golden flaxseeds reduced intestinal permeability and endotoxemia. Brown and golden flaxseed can be a promising alternative for the prevention of metabolic changes caused by menopausal transition, and for the improvement of the intestinal health.