# Efficacy of flaxseed in reducing blood pressure among patients with cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of parallel randomized controlled trials

## TL;DR

This study finds that flaxseed supplementation can lower blood pressure in people with cardiovascular risk factors, but results vary widely.

## Contribution

A meta-analysis of RCTs shows flaxseed reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

## Key findings

- Flaxseed supplementation reduces systolic blood pressure by an average of 4.75 mmHg.
- Flaxseed supplementation reduces diastolic blood pressure by an average of 3.09 mmHg.
- High heterogeneity among studies suggests variability in results and the need for further research.

## Abstract

The prevalence rate of hypertension is on the rise at an alarming rate. Studies conducted on the influence of flaxseed on blood pressure (BP) have come up with conflicting conclusions. The current investigation’s major purpose is to conduct a literature review and a meta-analysis focusing on the effect of flaxseed supplementation on BP in people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Library databases were searched from the inception date to April 2024 to find the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A random-effects model combined the weighted mean difference (WMD). Standard methodologies were applied to evaluate publication bias, heterogeneity, and sensitivity analysis. Eighteen RCTs were included in the present systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled analysis suggested that flaxseed supplementation can reduce systolic BP (SBP) (WMD: -4.75 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.05 to -2.44, P≤0.001; I2=93.6%) and diastolic BP (DBP) (WMD: -3.09 mmHg, 95% CI: -4.37 to -1.81, P≤0.001; I2=91.2%). In conclusion, the current meta-analysis has demonstrated that flaxseed supplementation can markedly lower BP in individuals exhibiting CVD risk factors. Given the significant heterogeneity, it is crucial to interpret the current results with careful consideration. In addition, further high-quality RCTs are required to better assess the causal relationships.