Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
05:55
High-throughput, Microscale Protocol for the Analysis of Processing Parameters and Nutritional Qualities in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Published on: June 16, 2018
Flaxseed energy and macronutrients balance
C Gonçalves de Oliveira1, A C Rodrigues Ferreira Cruz, V Mayumi Nakajima
1Department of Nutrition, Universidad Federal Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. cristiane.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br
Nutricion Hospitalaria
|March 13, 2013
Summary
Flaxseed (FS) and defatted flaxseed flour (FF) consumption increased energy and lipid excretion. This may explain how flaxseed helps maintain body weight despite its high energy density.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Human Nutrition
- Dietary Interventions
Background:
- Flaxseed consumption is linked to reduced risk of chronic non-communicable diseases.
- Despite high energy density, flaxseed intake may promote body weight maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of flaxseed consumption on energy and macronutrient balance.
- Investigate the mechanisms behind flaxseed's potential role in weight management.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four healthy volunteers participated in a controlled dietary study.
- Participants consumed flaxseed (FS), defatted flaxseed flour (FF), or flaxseed oil (FO) for 7-9 days.
- Energy and fecal excretion were measured during control and intervention periods.
Main Results:
- Higher energy excretion was observed in the defatted flaxseed flour (FF) and flaxseed (FS) groups compared to controls.
- Increased excretion of total lipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), specifically alpha-linolenic acid, was noted in the FS group.
Conclusions:
- Daily intake of 70g of flaxseed (FS) and defatted flaxseed flour (FF) significantly increases lipid and energy excretion.
- These findings suggest a potential mechanism by which flaxseed contributes to body weight maintenance.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Energy Balance
The human body gets energy from the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Energy is released when the chemical bonds in the organic compounds present in the food are broken down. The energy content of food is measured in kilocalories (kcal), defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. This value is determined by measuring the temperature change of the water surrounding a calorimeter after the complete...
01:18Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...
01:06Fats as Energy Storage Molecules
Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
01:06Fats as Energy Storage Molecules
Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
01:25Biofuels
The microbial conversion of organic matter into biofuels holds potential as a renewable energy source. Among biofuel sources, microalgae are recognized as a highly efficient and adaptable feedstock for biodiesel production, owing to their rapid biomass accumulation, elevated lipid productivity, and capacity to proliferate in diverse aquatic systems, including freshwater, marine, and wastewater habitats. Unlike terrestrial crops, microalgae do not compete for land and can achieve significantly...