Nutrition
A whole food phenomenon
Flaxseed contains the most ALA Omega 3 of any whole food source. It’s full of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber and lignans, a plant-based phytoestrogen that shows promising benefits for both men’s and women’s specific health concerns, including prostate and breast health.
All of these components work together to support heart health, maintain healthy blood pressure and aid normal weight management. Using Pizzey products also allows you to make certain label claims in Canada and the United States.
Label Claims Permitted in Canada
In Canada, foods containing flax are eligible for nutrient content claims and a health claim.
If a food contains 300 mg or more of Omega 3 fatty acid (approximately 1.5 g of milled flaxseed) per serving, the label may state “source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,” “contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids”, or “provides omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.” When one of these claims is made, the Nutrition Facts panel on the package must include a declaration of the Omega 3, Omega 6 and monounsaturated fatty acid content of the food.
In 2014, Health Canada approved a health claim linking ground whole flaxseed to blood cholesterol lowering, a major risk factor for heart disease. The permitted claim is:
“[serving size from Nutrition Facts table in metric and common household measures] of (brand name) [name of food] supplies/provides X% of the daily amount [of ground (whole) flaxseed] shown to help reduce/lower cholesterol.” For example, “16g (2 tablespoons) of ground flaxseed supplies 40% of the daily amount shown to help lower cholesterol.” The “daily amount” referred to is 40g.
To make this claim, the product must contain at least 13g of ground whole flaxseed per serving and must meet other requirements such as being low in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat.
Label Claims Permitted in the United States
In the United States, manufacturers may make nutrient content claims and structure/function claims for foods containing BakePur™, BevPur™, RediPur™, and BlendPur™ flax.
ALA Omega 3 is the only Omega 3 recognized as essential by the Institute of Medicine, and therefore the only Omega 3 for which a nutrient content claim can be made1. “More” or “Good” source of ALA Omega 3 claims may be made for products containing 0.75g or more of milled flaxseed per serving, while “Excellent” source of ALA Omega 3 claims require 1.5g or more of milled flaxseed per serving.
At these levels, structure/function claims can also be made. Structure/function claims describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient in supporting the normal structure or function of the human body. These claims are not pre-approved by the FDA; instead, the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that they are truthful and not misleading. Evidence supports several structure/function claims related to milled flaxseed, including “Omega 3s from flaxseed support heart health”, “Omega 3s from flaxseed help maintain healthy blood pressure” and “Omega 3s from flaxseed help athletes maintain strength and stamina during workouts.”
1See FDA Final Rule Dated April 28, 2014 – “Food Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims; Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, and Docosahexaenoic Acid Omega-3 Fatty Acids.”