Effect of flaxseed supplementation on dietary intake and anthropometric profile of heart patients

Sixty at risk of coronary heart disease subjects in the age group of 40–60 years were selected from PAU Hospital, Ludhiana. The subjects were equally divided into three groups i.e. E₁ E₂ and C respectively, each group containing 20 subjects. The diet of the subjects of E₁ and E₂ groups were supplemented with flaxseed in powdered form at the levels of 5 and 10 g respectively for a period of 2 months while the diet of the subjects of C group were not supplemented. Food intake pattern was recorded before and after the study period by taking average intake of food for three consecutive days before and after the study. After the study period, decrease in mean intake of cereals, roots & tubers, sugar & jaggery in three groups was recorded whereas an increase was recorded in the mean intake of pulses, other vegetables and fruits in the experimental groups. A significant decrease in weight and body mass index (BMI) in E₁ (P=0.05) and E₂ (P=0.01) group was recorded while no change in C group subjects was recorded. It was observed that the subjects of E₁ and E₂ lost 600 g and 1 kg body weight after the supplementation period. The decrease was also recorded in other anthropometric parameters namely, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT). The decrease could be due to presence of fibre in flaxseed which gave the feeling of fullness and hence decreased their food intake and resulted in loss of body weight and hence, BMI.