Absolutely there are benefits to having flax seed in the diet.  I encourage many of our vegetarian clients to use flax seed oil, because even though it is a less efficient source of omega 3s (there is an extra conversion step to get it to EPA), it still promotes heart health.  Taka a look at my fellow blogger and dietitian, Chelsey Bobcek's blog on Flax seed oil so you can see there are still some benefits and worth your time: communities.2020lifestyles.com/.../what-is-a-vegetarian-to-do.aspx

Hello, Joe.

You bring up an interesting point.  As a huge propenent of fish oil, I am the first one to tell you that it is the fountain of youth.

However, in 2005 there were a series of studies done that examined patients with previous arrhythmias to evaluate the possible effectiveness of fish oil supplementation.  The researchers did find that fish oil actually reduced the incidence of arrhythmias and thought that it may be a great way to treat this condition long term.

One group however of individuals with ventricular tachycardia actually had more incidences of arrhythmias than the group taking the placebo.  The scientists were unclear of why this might be, none the less it demonstrated lack of replicability among the studies, weakening their evidence towards fish oil being 100% safe for individuals with arrhythmias.  

It is unclear whether fish oil might predispose one who might ultimately develip arrhythmias to get them sooner, but what is clear is there is evidence to support fish oil may aggravate symptoms of those who have a pre-existing arrhythmia condition.

In most cases a daily dose of fish oil can be heart healthy.  However, those with arrhythmias or a family history of arrhythmias should check with their primary physician prior to taking fish oil.

It looks like Joe that your mother's physician is being extremely precautious due to the conflicting data out there in regards to fish oil and their effects on arrhythmias.  Excellent patient care.

I hope this helps. Let me know if anything else comes up.