In this study, two single-blinded randomized crossover acute studies were conducted with 24 and 20 subjects, respectively, to compare (I) control vs. flax drink; and (II) flax drink vs. flax tablets. The treatments were iso-caloric and iso-volumeric: the control treatment was a 300mL drink; the flax drink treatment was the control drink with an additional 2.5 grams of flax fiber extract; and the flax tablet treatment was the control drink with tablets containing 2.5 grams of flax fiber. Following an overnight fast, the subjects were exposed to one of the treatments and rated appetite sensation for 120 minutes using visual analog scales (VAS). Afterwards, they consumed an ad libitum early lunch to assess energy intake. The flax drink increased sensation of satiety and fullness and decreased subsequent energy intake compared to control (2937 vs. 3214kJ). Appetite ratings were similar for the flax tablets and flax drink as they did not differ by more than 1 to 4%. Subsequent energy intake was also similar after the flax tablets and flax drinks (3370 vs. 3379kJ). Therefore, a small dose of flaxseed fiber administered as a drink or tablets can significantly suppress appetite and energy intake. Appetite. 2012 Apr;58(2):490-5. PMID: 22245724
