- *MSRP:
$29.99- Our Price:
- $18.00
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- UPC: 733739017727
- # N1772
NOW Foods Flax Oil 1,000 mg (250 Softgels) – Cold-Pressed Organic Essential Omega-3s
Product Summary & Quick Specs Snapshot
NOW Foods Flax Oil 1,000 mg provides a high-potency source of pure, unrefined organic flaxseed oil rich in essential Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). Mechanically cold-pressed without chemical solvents, this formula supplies the foundational polyunsaturated fats your body cannot produce on its own to support cell membrane elasticity, cardiovascular wellness, and hydrated skin. Encapsulated in smooth, easy-to-swallow softgels, it offers a clean, plant-based omega-3 solution with zero marine odor or unpleasant fish burps.
Quick Specs Snapshot
- ✓Active Form & Potency: 3,000 mg of 100% Certified Organic, Cold-Pressed, Unrefined Flax Seed Oil (Linum usitatissimum) per 3-softgel serving, supplying approximately 1,650 mg of bioactive Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), 2 g of polyunsaturated fat, and 0.5 g of monounsaturated fat.
- ✓Primary Cellular Target: Cell membrane lipid bilayers, skin epidermal moisture barriers, and cardiovascular vascular pathways.
- ✓Supply & Value Math: 250 softgels per bottle (83 full 3-softgel servings), delivering nearly a full 3-month supply of daily essential fatty acids for pennies a day.
- ✓Formulation Purity: Certified organic seed origin, BSE-free bovine gelatin capsule, expeller cold-pressed, non-GMO, and free of gluten, soy, dairy, egg, fish, and shellfish. Packaged in a 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin bottle.
Buyer's Guide & Oil Form Comparison
Why the Form Matters: Cold-Pressed Unrefined vs. Chemically Extracted Big-Box Oils
How an oil is extracted determines whether it heals or harms your cells. Cheap big-box store brands and mass-market vegetable oils are frequently processed using high friction heat and harsh chemical petroleum solvents like hexane to maximize yield. Excessive heat damages fragile polyunsaturated double bonds, creating oxidized lipid peroxides and rancidity before the bottle is even opened [1]. NOW Foods uses an expeller cold-pressing method that gently extracts oil under low temperatures without toxic chemical solvents. The oil remains unrefined, preserving its golden color, clean nutritional integrity, and natural lipid-soluble micronutrients.
Is This Formula Right for You?
Ideal For Shoppers Who:
- ✓ Want a pure, plant-based source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids without fish allergens, heavy metals, or repeating fish burps.
- ✓ Experience dry, flaky skin or dull hair and want an internal source of soothing fatty acids to fortify the skin's moisture barrier [2].
- ✓ Demand certified organic, hexane-free, and expeller-pressed oils verified by rigorous third-party and in-house laboratory testing.
Consider Another Option If:
- ✗ You follow a strict 100% vegetarian or vegan lifestyle (this formula uses a BSE-free bovine gelatin capsule; look for liquid organic flax oil instead).
- ✗ You need direct, preformed DHA for infant neurodevelopment or targeted neurological care (consider microalgae DHA or purified fish oil).
- ✗ You have a clinically diagnosed allergy to flax seeds or severe fat malabsorption disorders.
Risk-Free Assurance: Every purchase is backed by VitaNet®, LLC's unconditional 100% money-back guarantee—even on opened bottles, with return shipping covered—so you can evaluate this formula with total peace of mind.
Biochemical Mechanism & Cellular Pathways
To understand how flax oil works, imagine each of your body's cells as a tiny, flexible water balloon. The outer protective skin of each cell is called the lipid bilayer membrane. When your diet contains mostly stiff saturated fats or trans fats, your cell walls become rigid and brittle like dried plastic. Essential polyunsaturated fats like Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA, chemical formula C18H30O2) act like natural lubricants. Because ALA contains three flexible double bonds, it bends and weaves directly into cell membranes, keeping them fluid, soft, and permeable [1]. This allows nutrients and water to flow freely into your cells while cellular waste flows out efficiently.
ALA is an "essential" fatty acid because human cells cannot produce it from scratch; it must come from your daily diet. Once absorbed, specialized liver enzymes called delta-6-desaturase and elongase convert a portion of ALA into longer-chain omega-3s, such as Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, C20H30O2) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, C22H32O2) [3]. While internal conversion rates vary, ALA performs essential structural functions on its own throughout your body [1].
In your skin, ALA directly feeds the epidermal matrix. It reinforces the intercellular ceramides in your skin's outermost layer (the stratum corneum), forming an invisible barrier that locks in moisture and keeps irritants out [2]. Furthermore, when your cell membranes are well-stocked with ALA, they produce balancing series-3 prostaglandins rather than inflammatory molecules, helping your heart, blood vessels, and joint tissues maintain a healthy, balanced state [1, 4].
Daily Dosing, Timing & Synergy Protocol
Optimal Timing & Meal Pairing
Flax oil is a pure dietary lipid. To absorb it efficiently, your digestive system needs food to stimulate the release of bile from your gallbladder and pancreatic lipase enzymes from your pancreas [3]. Take your softgels with a meal that contains whole-food protein or healthy fats (such as eggs, yogurt, oatmeal with nuts, or avocado). Taking nutritional oils on an empty stomach can lead to incomplete absorption and mild stomach rumbles.
Daily Schedule & Split-Dosing Strategy
The full serving is 3 softgels daily. You can take all 3 softgels together with your largest meal of the day, or you can split them up by taking 1 softgel with breakfast, 1 with lunch, and 1 with dinner. Splitting your doses is especially gentle on sensitive digestive tracts, providing a steady stream of nourishing fatty acids throughout the day.
Smart Synergies & Spacing Rules
The Antioxidant Advantage: Polyunsaturated fatty acids pair wonderfully with fat-soluble antioxidants like natural Vitamin E (tocopherols) and Vitamin C. Antioxidants protect the delicate fatty acid chains from free radical oxidation once inside your tissues [1].
The 2-Hour Spacing Rule: Space your flax oil softgels at least 2 hours away from fat-blocking weight-loss supplements (such as chitosan) or bulk psyllium husk fiber, as these binders can trap beneficial oils in your gut before your body has time to absorb them.
Timeline of Expectations
- ✓Week 1 (Initial Absorption): The fatty acids absorb into your bloodstream through intestinal chylomicrons, enriching circulating plasma lipids and beginning incorporation into cellular walls [3].
- ✓Weeks 3–4 (Skin & Membrane Saturation): Continuous daily intake replenishes the lipid layers of the skin. Users often report smoother skin texture, reduced winter dryness, and enhanced nail hydration [2].
- ✓Months 2–3+ (Long-Term Maintenance): Deep cellular saturation promotes enduring blood vessel elasticity, healthy lipid profiles within normal ranges, and balanced joint mobility [1, 4].
Physical Characteristics, Sensory Notes & Clean Excipients
Delivery Format & Swallowability
NOW Flax Oil comes in smooth, amber-tinted oval softgels. The gelatin shell becomes slippery when moistened with water, allowing the softgel to glide down easily without sticking in the throat. Because the liquid oil is sealed completely within the softgel, you never have to deal with the earthy, slightly bitter taste of raw liquid flaxseed oil.
Natural Aroma, Taste & Color Notes
When swallowed whole, the softgels are odorless and tasteless. If punctured or chewed, the unrefined oil inside reveals a fresh, pleasant, nutty seed flavor with zero chemical aftertaste. A touch of natural caramel color is incorporated into the capsule shell to protect the light-sensitive fatty acids from photodegradation. Natural color variations from amber to deep golden brown are normal and reflect seasonal agricultural crop conditions.
Other Ingredients Explained in Plain English
- ✓Bovine Gelatin (BSE-free): A pure beef protein that forms the airtight outer capsule shell, preventing oxygen from degrading the sensitive omega-3 oils inside.
- ✓Glycerin: A plant-derived moisture keeper that keeps the softgel shell supple and flexible so it will not become brittle, crack, or leak.
- ✓Water: Purified water used during the softgel manufacturing and sealing process.
- ✓Caramel Color: A natural food-grade color added to the capsule shell to block ambient light rays and preserve fatty acid freshness.
Storage & Bottle Stability
Store your bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place after opening, away from kitchen stoves, heat, and direct sunlight. The bottle is molded from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin, which shields the softgels from ambient light exposure while supporting eco-friendly packaging.
Supplement Facts & Quality Verification
Official Supplement Facts Panel
| Supplement Facts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size: 3 Softgels | ||
| Servings Per Container: 83 | ||
| Description | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 25 | * |
| Total Fat | 3 g | 4%** |
| Saturated Fat | < 0.5 g | 2%** |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g | † |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | † |
| Organic Flax Seed Oil (Linum usitatissimum) (Cold Pressed, Unrefined) | 3 g (3,000 mg) | † |
** Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Softgel Capsule [bovine gelatin (BSE-free), glycerin, water, caramel color].
Allergen Free From: Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Caution: For adults only. Flax oil is generally well tolerated, but may be associated with mild temporary gastro-intestinal disturbances. Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, including allergy to flax seed. Keep out of reach of children.
Natural color variation may occur in this product. Family owned since 1968. Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. Bottle made from 100% PCR resin.
NOW Brand In-House Lab Testing vs. Big-Box Store Brands
Many discount supplements sold by big-box stores and warehouse chains are manufactured by anonymous low-bid contractors. These discount brands often skip critical testing steps to save money. Cheap seed oils are frequently hot-pressed using harsh chemical solvents, stored in overheated warehouses, and placed on shelves with hidden rancidity or chemical residues.
NOW Foods operates over 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art analytical testing facilities certified under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Running over 19,000 to 31,000 analytical tests every month, NOW enforces strict contaminant limits on every production run of Flax Oil 1,000 mg:
- ✓Heavy Metal Screening via ICP-MS: Raw flaxseed oil is analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry capable of detecting toxic heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) down to trace parts-per-billion (ppb) levels, surpassing California Proposition 65 limits.
- ✓Pesticide & Solvent Clearance via GC-MS/MS: Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry screens the certified organic crop for over 500 chemical pesticides, herbicides, and residual extraction solvents, guaranteeing the oil is 100% hexane-free.
- ✓Oxidation & Rancidity Control: Polyunsaturated fatty acids spoil quickly when exposed to air. NOW tests every batch for Peroxide Value (PV) and p-Anisidine Value (pAV) to verify the oil is completely fresh, stable, and protected against oxidation.
- ✓Microbiological Pathogen Testing: Automated PCR assays verify the absolute absence of harmful pathogens, including Salmonella spp. and E. coli, alongside strict yeast and mold screening.
About VitaNet®, LLC & Safety Disclaimers
Founded in 1995 as an independent, family-owned business in Hartville, Ohio, VitaNet®, LLC brings over 31 years of supplement curation and human biochemistry experience directly to your home. We partner directly with verified manufacturers like NOW Foods and maintain climate-controlled storage to protect delicate nutritional oils from heat degradation. Order with total confidence knowing your wellness is supported by our unconditional 100% money-back guarantee—even on opened bottles, with return shipping covered.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Scientific References
- Harper, C. R., Edwards, M. J., Flaker, G. C., & Kris-Etherton, P. M. (2006). Flaxseed oil increases the plasma concentrations of cardioprotective (n-3) fatty acids in humans. The Journal of Nutrition, 136(1), 83–87.
- Neukam, K., De Spirt, S., Stahl, W., et al. (2011). Supplementation of flaxseed oil diminishes skin sensitivity and improves skin barrier function and condition. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 24(2), 67–74.
- Burdge, G. C., & Calder, P. C. (2005). Conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human adults. Reproduction Nutrition Development, 45(5), 581–597.
- Calder, P. C. (2015). Marine omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Effects, mechanisms and clinical relevance. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 1851(4), 469–484.
Frequently Asked Questions About NOW Flax Oil 1,000 mg
1. Can I pierce the softgel and add the flax oil to smoothies or oatmeal?
Yes. You can carefully snip the tip of the softgel with clean kitchen scissors and squeeze the golden oil into smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, or oatmeal. Because high cooking temperatures damage delicate polyunsaturated omega-3 bonds, never cook or fry with flax oil; simply stir it into warm or cold foods just before eating.
2. How does plant-based flax oil compare to marine fish oil?
Flaxseed oil supplies Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), a foundational plant omega-3 that supports skin barrier hydration, cellular membrane flexibility, and balanced inflammatory pathways. Fish oil provides pre-formed EPA and DHA. Flax oil is the premier choice for people who want clean, plant-derived omega-3s without fish allergens, mercury concerns, or unpleasant fishy burps.
3. Will taking this flax oil softgel break an intermittent fast?
Yes. A full 3-softgel serving contains 25 calories and 3 grams of healthy fat (roughly 8 calories and 1 gram of fat per single softgel). Ingesting dietary calories and fats triggers digestive enzyme production and bile secretion, which technically breaks a strict water fast. For best absorption, take your softgels during your normal eating window alongside a meal.
4. Why is unrefined cold-pressed flax oil superior to generic supermarket vegetable oils?
Standard supermarket cooking oils (such as corn, soy, or canola oil) are processed with harsh chemical solvents like hexane and heated to extreme temperatures, stripping out natural nutrients and oxidizing fragile fats. NOW Flax Oil is mechanically cold-pressed without chemicals and left unrefined, keeping the natural fatty acids fresh, intact, and biologically active.
5. Can flax oil cause mild stomach upset, and how can I prevent it?
Like any nutritional oil, taking large amounts of flax oil on an empty stomach can occasionally lead to mild digestive changes or loose stools. To prevent this, always take your softgels with a solid meal containing protein or complex carbohydrates, or divide your intake by taking 1 softgel with breakfast, 1 with lunch, and 1 with dinner.