It is important to understand most flaxseed lignans are removed during processing and thus are not found in appreciable quantities in flaxseed oil. The lignans are concentrated in the fibrous hulls of flaxseed, so processing can remove them. This is why flax oil is essentially void of lignans, although flax oil enriched with ground flax (containing lignans) is widely available.
However, the amount of SDG (main lignan) obtained from a lignan-enriched flax oil depends on two things:
- How many lignans were in the flaxseed to begin with
- How well the flaxseed particles mix with the oil
Flaxseed is not soluble in oil, so it resists mixing with the oil and settles at the bottom of the container. Results of independent testing have shown a wide range of lignan content in products that are commercially available. However, commercial methods for extracting, purifying and micronizing the lignans in flax are now available, making it possible to integrate lignans into flax oil and incorporate them in functional food products for people to enjoy while taking advantage of their health benefits. |