Chronic Consumption of Open Market “Fresh” Palm Oil Alters Renal Handling of Na+, Cl, K+ and HCO3-

Abstract

This study was carried out to find out the extent of oxidation and its effects of oxidation if any on the renal handling of Na + , Cl-, K + and HCO 3 in rats fed open market purchased palm oil. Forty male wistar rats (weighing 140-160grams) were randomly distributed into three groups of ten rats each viz: control, fed normal rat chow, FPO mill (fed 15% mill fresh palm oil diets), FPO market (fed 15% w/w open market purhased fresh palm oil diets) and PPO (fed 15%w/w photoxidized palm oil diets) groups. Animals received water ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Blood and Urine samples were collected at the end and the concentations of Na + , Cl-, K + and HCO 3 were determined. Mean plasma concentrations of Na + , Cl + , and HCO 3 of FPO market and PPO groups were significantly (P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.05 respectively) lower than control and FPO mill groups. Plasma potassium levels showed the reverse. The urine concentration of Na + and Clof the FPO market and PPO groups were significantly (P<0.001) higher than the control and FPO mill groups; The urine concentrations of K + in the control and FPO mill groups were significantly (P<0.0) higher than the FPOmarket and PPO groups. The urine bicarbonate levels of the FPO market were significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of FPO mill. The urine output of the FPO market and PPO groups were significantly (P<0.001) lower than control and FPO mill groups. In conclusion, open market "fresh" palm oil has undergone some oxidation and is detremental to health. Its consumption should therefore be discouraged.