Frequently Asked Questions

The flaxseed contains two parts: the hull and the embryo. We separate the hull from the embryo to produce pure flaxseed hulls. The lignans are found only in the hulls. Thus, the hulls are more concentrated with lignan than whole flaxseed. Consuming flaxseed lignans provides the benefits of whole flaxseed without having to eat several pounds of it. Flaxseed hulls also have other components: they contain fiber and antioxidants. We do not use chemicals to concentrate the lignans. The lignans are concentrated solely by virtue of the hulls' separation from the embryo. Some of our product descriptions say “concentrated lignans” and others say “flaxseed hulls.” They are both the same.

The recommended dosage for dogs is 1-2 mg per pound of body weight; however, we always recommend consulting your veterinarian as well. For 10 lb dogs, give 10-20 mg of SDG lignan or HMR lignan daily. For 20 lb dogs, give 20-40 mg of SDG or HMR lignan daily. For 40 lb dogs, give 40-80 mg of SDG lignan or HMR lignan daily. The capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto dog food. The capsules can also be placed in a pill pocket, a piece of meat or cheese, etc. If your dog is taking flaxseed lignans, a probiotic like yogurt can help with absorption. Open the capsule and sprinkle the powder into a small amount of yogurt with live and active cultures.

This is because of the type of flaxseed used. Sometimes we are able to obtain golden flaxseed and sometimes we are able to obtain brown flaxseed. They both have the same nutrient content and they both have the same shelf life. They are both high quality flaxseeds grown in North America. Because this is a natural product, the color may vary.

HMR Lignans come from the Norwegian spruce tree and are chemically extracted from the pine knots of the Spruce tree. The flaxseed lignans are an SDG lignan and they are mechanically separated from the flaxseed hull. Flaxseed lignans contain fiber and HMR lignans do not. Both HMR lignans and flaxseed lignans have the same effect in the body; they are both converted to enterodiol and enterolactone in the body. They are both phytoestrogens that possess hormone balancing properties and studies have shown they both work equally well.

The lignan content in Flaxseed hulls can vary between 3-5%. This depends on growing season and growing conditions. We have offered 630 mg, 690mg capsules and 750 mg capsules. The capsules of flaxseed hulls are 100% pure flaxseed hulls. There are no chemicals used in the separation from the seed embryo and nothing else has been added. Therefore the lignan content in each capsule can be from 3% (18 mg) to 5% (31.5 mg) in the 630 mg capsules and 22.5 mg to 37.5 mg in the 750 mg capsules. We use 30 mg as a general rule of thumb since that is an average of 4% of the 750 mg capsule.

Our flaxseed hulls have a shelf life in excess of 3 years. The actual shelf life is much longer, but we list 2 years from the manufacture date on the bottles to be conservative. You do not need to refrigerate our flaxseed hulls. This is different than whole flaxseed. Whole flaxseed can last many years without refrigeration until you grind it. Once you expose the embryo to the air, you must refrigerate it, and even then the shelf life is only 1 year. This is one of the many reasons our flaxseed lignans are preferred over regular flaxseed.

Brevail is a brand name from our competitor. They offer a product that is made from flaxseed hulls, but the lignan is chemically extracted from the hulls, as opposed to our product, which contains pure flaxseed hulls that have been mechanically separated from the whole flaxseed. We do not use any chemicals in the processing of our flaxseed hulls. Brevail has some added compounds for color and fillers and contains 50 mg of standardized lignan per capsule; our flaxseed lignan capsules range from 15-35 mg of lignans. There are only 30 capsules in a bottle of Brevail and there are 90 capsules in our flaxseed lignans. When comparing the total number of mg in each bottle, our cost ends up being lower, and when you buy money saving two packs from us, the difference is even greater.

Every case varies, but it is usually recommended to use lignans and melatonin in conjunction with one another because each supplement inhibits different enzymes needed to produce cortisol. Inhibiting these enzymes can effectively lower heightened cortisol levels.

Melatonin is often used to address anxiety, hair loss, or Canine Cushings. The goal of melatonin is not to put the dog to sleep, but to correct hormone imbalances (i.e. reduce heightened cortisol levels). Lowering the stress hormone cortisol can naturally help to manage Cushing's symptoms. In managing these symptoms, this can potentially result in more restful sleep. It can take a brief period of time for the dog to adjust to the melatonin, therefore their activity levels may lower, but most customers report activity levels returning to normal after a couple weeks.

Some veterinarians recommend one or the other, and some recommend both conventional meds (chemotherapy drugs), in conjunction with holistic methods. It is usually okay to give both, but this depends on the dog and case severity, and it is best to try to space out the regimen as best as you can. We always recommend consulting your veterinarian for help with dosage, how best to administer your regimen, and which combinations they suggest. If you wish to ween your dog off the medication, you'll want to introduce the new supplements slowly while gradually decreasing the dosage of the medications because it takes time to build up the lignan in the body. Again, seek your vet's advice on this matter.

Studies indicate that phytoestrogens (lignans) can help balance hormones. They are powerful antioxidants that offer immune system support and studies have reported lignans can help support heart, hair, and reproductive organ health. For info on lignans for people, visit our Health Benefits Page

Our lignans do not need to be refrigerated. It is simply recommended to store them, and your other supplements, in a cool, dry place. The only product we offer that must be refrigerated is our SAMe for liver support. These tablets are enteric coated and the bottle requires refrigeration after opening.

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