Flaxseed dietary fiber supplements for suppression of appetite and food intake

We conducted two single-blinded randomized crossover acute studies with 24 and 20 subjects, respectively, to compare (I) Control vs. Flax drink; and (II) Flax drink vs. Flax tablets. The subjects were exposed to one of the treatments after an overnight fast, and rated appetite sensation for 120 min using visual analog scales (VAS). Hereafter they consumed an ad libitum early lunch to assess energy intake. The treatments were iso-caloric and iso-volumeric: Control: 300 mL drink; Flax drink: Control drink with addition flax fiber extract (2.5 g of soluble fibers); and Flax tablet: Control drink with flax fiber tablets (2.5 g of soluble fibers). Flax drink increased sensation of satiety and fullness compared to Control and a significant decrease in subsequent energy intake was observed after the Flax drink compared to Control (2937 vs. 3214 kJ). Appetite ratings were similar for Flax tablets and Flax drink as they did not differ by more than 1-4%. Subsequent energy intake was similar after the two treatments (3370 vs. 3379 kJ). A small dose of flaxseed fiber significantly suppresses appetite and energy intake. Furthermore, flaxseed fibers administered as drinks or tablets produce similar responses.