Fatty Acid
Flaxseed Oil (ALA)
Also known as: Flax oil, Linseed oil, ALA
Plant-based omega-3 (ALA) that requires conversion to EPA/DHA. Conversion is inefficient (5-15%). Better than nothing for vegans.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Flaxseed Oil (ALA) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natural Factors Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) | 89 A | $0.10 |
| 2 | Natural Factors Ubiquinol Active CoQ10 200 mg | 88 A | $1.50 |
| 3 | Natural Factors Ubiquinol Active CoQ10 100 mg | 88 A | $1.03 |
| 4 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw K-Complex | 86 A- | $0.46 |
| 5 | Nature's Way Oregano Oil | 70 B | $0.40 |
| 6 | Micro Ingredients Flaxseed Oil Softgels | 69 B | $0.09 |
| 7 | Nature Made Flaxseed Oil 1400 mg Softgels | 69 B | $0.14 |
| 8 | Nature Made Flaxseed Oil 1000 mg Softgels | 69 B | $0.13 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Flaxseed Oil (ALA) should I take?
The typical range is 1-2 tablespoons oil or 1000-3000 mg capsules. Safe long-term
When should I take Flaxseed Oil (ALA)?
With food. Yes.
Which form of Flaxseed Oil (ALA) is best?
Oil — Refrigerate, goes rancid. Other forms in the catalog: Softgel.
Is Flaxseed Oil (ALA) safe?
Commonly reported: Loose stools at high doses. Serious warnings: Goes rancid quickly. Safe
Which Flaxseed Oil (ALA) supplement scores highest?
Natural Factors Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU), at 89/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Vegan omega-3
- Inflammation support
- Skin health
How it works
- ALA is essential omega-3
- Converts to EPA/DHA (5-15%)
- Independent anti-inflammatory effects
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1-2 tablespoons oil or 1000-3000 mg capsules
- Timing
- With food
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Safe long-term
- Special populations
- Algal oil better for DHA needs
Forms
- Oil
- Softgel
Safety
Common side effects
- Loose stools at high doses
Contraindications
- None
Products containing Flaxseed Oil (ALA)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Flaxseed Oil (ALA) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
ALA conversion to EPA/DHA is inefficient
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Cited research for Flaxseed Oil (ALA)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention flaxseed oil (ala). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Ziegler D, Ametov A, Barinov A, et al. (2006)Diabetes Care
Efficacy of orally administered alpha-lipoic acid for symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: the SYDNEY 2 trial
- Ziegler D, Nowak H, Kempler P, et al. (2004)Diabetic Medicine
Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a meta-analysis
Flaxseed Oil (ALA) compared head-to-head
Related in Fatty Acid
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.