There has been a lot of debate on various blogs and message boards lately about whether flaxseed (also known as linseed) is a low fodmap ingredient. Monash University in Australia are yet to conduct their fodmap research on this ingredient alone however they have analysed LSA which is a blend of linseed (flaxseed), sunflower seeds and almonds.
The Monash University Low Fodmap App cites that LSA is low in fodmaps in a 1 tablespoon serving or 12g (the Australian tablespoon is equivalent to 4 teaspoons). As LSA is made up of 50% linseeds (flaxseeds), then we know that at least 6g (or 2 teaspoons) of flaxseed meal is safe according to the Monash Uni analysis.
I have also conducted my own experimentation….
I am very intolerant to all of the fodmap’s (only moderately intolerant to lactose – have to be grateful for that!) and, having tested myself, I have found that flaxseed meal is low fodmap in small serves. As I am also carb-sensitive and gluten intolerant I am a big fan of flaxseed meal: I use it daily (1-2 tablespoons) in my baking (cheesy flaxseed scones and muggins) or in my pumpkin pancakes. Flaxseeds contain good oils including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega 3 fatty acid, which has many positive properties, loads of fibre and as such are filling and reasonably low in calories. If you are vegan, flaxseed meal can be a good replacement for eggs in many recipes.
I would recommend keeping your consumption of flaxseeds to a minimum in the initial elimination phase on the low fodmap diet but definitely try re-introducing it and watch for symptoms over 3 days. I also recommend that you get the support of a qualified dietitian or nutritionist as I am not a medical expert and you may have other health considerations.
If you do have any health issues be cautious as flaxseed does have some known side effects and complications which you can read about here from the Mayo Clinic.
Luckily for me I can tolerate it and given all the other restrictions on the diet and having balanced its benefits vs its potential side effects I find that it is still highly beneficial to me. Let me know what your experience has been.
All the best,
Sacha x
Low Fodmap For Life 
I am also intolerant of fodmaps but find that I can tolerate flaxseeds. I use flaxseed meal in my pizza dough, in my peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and in my banana, strawberry, blueberry smoothie http://contentedbelly.com/2015/04/13/smoothie-recipe/. I find that flaxseeds make me feel full longer and are a great egg replacement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased to find another flaxseed lover!
LikeLike
Finding I don’t do well with flaxseed meal or flaxseed oil. Maybe just me, but think I’ll leave it out for now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Margo,
Everyone is different and it is great that you have the self-awareness to identify that it isn’t for you! Getting to that point is often the hardest part. You could reintroduce it when you are ready or just leave it out. Thank you for leaving a comment, good luck with it all.
Sacha
LikeLike
I love flax seed meal. My son was recently diagnosed with fructose malabsorption and so many gluten free options are void of nutrition and fiber. He can tolerate the flax meal in baked goods. thanks for the post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello 🙂 Thank you very much for this, I have been following the low FODMAP diet for a month, under doctors instructions for possible IBS. I LOVE flaxseed and all the super foods. When my Mum mentioned that it causes her problems I thought i’d do a little research, and came across your blog! 🙂 I didn’t know that it is a good sub for eggs, as an on-off Vegan, that’s good news. Please feel free to check out my blog, I post many recipes and blog about my Eco friendly finds. Hope you find it interesting! X
LikeLike
I find ground flaxseed keep me on the toilet for hours after so if you have ibs/d I would absolutely avoid.
LikeLike
Did you know that spelt is not gluten-free? Why and how do you use it if you have gluten-sensitivity?
LikeLike
You are totally right, spelt is not gluten free, but it can be tolerated for those that have wheat intolerances which is why small serves are considered low fodmap. If you are gluten intolerant then you are best to substitute buckwheat flour which is what I use these days.
LikeLike