Effects of Flaxseed on the Glucose Profile in Native American Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Diabetes is markedly affecting minority ethnic population particularly Native American postmenopausal women. A small number of studies documented that phytoestrogens play a favorable role in controlling hyperglycemia and reduce the risk of menopause induced diabetes. Our study examined the effects of intake of flaxseed on the glucose status of Native American postmenopausal women. Fifty five Native American postmenopausal women aged 47-63 years who were not on hormone replacement therapy and had boarder line hyperglycemia (>110 and <126 mg/dl) were enrolled and assigned randomly to one of the three dietary regimens (control, flaxseed, flaxseed +fiber) for three months. Treatment regimens were in the form of bread, muffins, and flaxseed powder. Daily intake of flaxseed did not demonstrate any significant effects in the baseline and final values of glucose, glycated hemoglobin and insulin levels in both the treatment groups. Incorporation of ground flax seed in low glycemic index foods might produce beneficial effects in maintaining glucose profile