>>It's doubtful that paleolithic people ate flax seeds, but since they are a
source of
omega-3 fat, many people eat them anyway. <<

A recent study ('98 I believe), showed that the ALA in flax (and other plant
sources) are very poorly converted to the bioavailable EPA and DHA.
(something like 6 % and 1 % respectively). The enzyme responsible for the
conversion may be affected by the following factors: presence of Omega-6
oils in the diet; deficiencies of magnesium, zinc, and B6; and presence of
trans-fats in the diet.

The popularity of flax oil seems to be part of the health food industry hype
that I'm finding out is more rampant than I knew.

I could dig up and post the abstract if anyone's interested.

-Karen