Flaxseed used since pregnancy by the mother and after weaning by the offspring benefits the retina and optic nerve development in rats.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a diet based on flaxseed upon the development of the nervous system, more specifically, the optic nerve and retina.

Methods: Rats were divided into three groups: Control (CG), Flaxseed (FG), and Modified Control (MCG). The analyses were performed in the offspring (n = 6/group) at the immediate postnatal period (P0), 14 d of life (P14) and 30 d of life (P30).