Exercise and Flax-Based Nutritional Supplementation for Lowering Cholesterol

Effectiveness of Flax Lignan and Exercise Training for Improving Lipid Profiles

The purpose of our study is to use a flaxseed-based nutritional supplement in combination with exercise training (walking) for improving cholesterol levels. We hypothesize that exercise training will improve cholesterol profile and that adding supplementation with a flaxseed nutritional supplement will further improve cholesterol profile.

Flax supplementation and exercise training each have small beneficial effects for improving blood lipid profile and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Flax lignan, a phytoestrogen found in flaxseed is thought to be the active compound responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effect of flaxseed. Our purpose is to combine an exercise training program (walking) with flax lignan supplementation for improving blood lipid profile.

Comparisons: Walking (6 days per week) plus flax lignan (500 mg per day) compared to walking plus placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 50 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently taking medication for cholesterol
• Smoker
• Diabetic
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Females on hormone replacement therapy
• Currently taking a flaxseed supplement
• Currently engaged in vigorous exercise training