Safety and side effects

When taken in recommended amounts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil are generally safe to use. But when taken in large amounts and with too little water, flaxseed can cause:

• Bloating.
• Gas.
• Diarrhea.

Do not take flaxseed or flaxseed oil if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

For some people, flaxseed or flaxseed oil can cause an allergic reaction.

Don't eat raw or unripe flaxseeds.

Flaxseed oil might lessen the blood's ability to clot. Because of this, if you're having surgery, be sure to tell your healthcare team that you take flaxseed oil. You may need to stop taking flaxseed oil before you have surgery.