Chia (Salvia hispanica)-supplemented diet ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its metabolic abnormalities in humans

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a public health problem lacking an approved pharmacological treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to reverse NAFLD. Chia is a seed rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), antioxidants, and fiber; therefore, it could be useful to treat NAFLD. Methods: In a single arm experimental design study, the effect of 25 g/day of milled chia was assessed in 25 patients with NAFLD. After two weeks of dietary stabilization (basal condition) and eight weeks of a chiasupplemented isocaloric diet, liver:spleen attenuation index and visceral abdominal fat (VAF) were measured by computed tomography. Lipids, lipoproteins, free fatty acids (FFA), and ALA plasma concentrations were also determined. Results: Dietary chia supplementation induced an increase in plasma ALA concentration (75%) and dietary fiber (55%) consumption. After chia supplementation, VAF (9%), body weight (1.4%), total cholesterol (2.5%), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.2%), and circulating FFA (8%) decreased. Furthermore, NAFLD regressed in 52% of the treated patients (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The results of the present study show that 25 g/day of milled chia ameliorates NAFLD. Chia is an accessible vegetal source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, which could have the potential to prevent metabolic abnormalities in NAFLD patients. Considering that there is no pharmacological treatment approved for NAFLD, the findings of the present study suggest that a chia-supplemented diet could be an innovative alternative to control this disease.

Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seed ameliorates liver injury and oxidative stress by modulating NrF2 and NFκB expression in sucrose-rich diet-fed rats

“…16,17 Several studies on humans and experimental animals, including our group, have shown that the dietary intake of bioactive components from chia seeds is related to the protective effects on the liver and plasma oxidative stress. 11,[18][19][20][21][22] Therefore, the evaluation of potential functional foods that may improve the antioxidant system efficacy or alleviate reactive oxygen species formation could be a strategy to prevent or ameliorate disorders related to MS.…”

The Current State of Knowledge on Salvia hispanica and Salviae hispanicae semen (Chia Seeds)

“…In a study conducted by Medina-Urrutia et al involving 25 patients with NAFLD and insulin resistance, dietary supplementation with ground chia seeds at a dose of 25 g/d for 8 weeks resulted in a reduction in body weight (median-.4%) and waist circumference. In addition, reductions in total cholesterol (from 4.8 to 4.6 mmol/L) and triglyceride levels (from 1.9 to 1.6 mmol/L) were observed in the intervention group [90].…”

The Potential of Lamiaceae Herbs for Mitigation of Overweight, Obesity, and Fatty Liver: Studies and Perspectives

“…S. hispanica provides a balanced amount of nutrients composed of insoluble fibers, proteins with a high quality of amino acids, high content of antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. Many studies described its potential for treating obesity [ 35 ], diabetes [ 35 , 36 , 37 ], hypertension [ 36 ], cardiovascular disease [ 37 ], NAFLD [ 38 ], hyperlipidemia [ 39 ], inflammation and oxidative stress [ 40 , 41 ].…”

“…Moreover, chia seeds seem to play a cardioprotective activity in normalizing the systolic blood pressure [ 45 ] ( Table 2 ). In a clinical trial a single arm experimental study investigated the effects of the daily intake (25 g/day) of chia seeds by 25 patients with NAFLD, showing a decrease in body weight, total Chol, non-HDL-Chol, and circulating free fatty acids (FFA) [ 38 ]. On the other hand, a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial with two parallel groups of 77 obese patients with T2DM [ 35 ] indicated the beneficial potential of chia seeds in promoting weight loss, and improving obesity-related risk factors such as a decrease in c-reactive protein (CRP) and an increase in plasma adiponectin.…”