Flaxseed flour (Linum usitatissinum) consumption improves bone quality and decreases the adipocyte area of lactating rats in the post-weaning period

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour in the intake on adiposity and femur structure of the lactating rats during the post-weaning period. After weaning, the lactating rats were divided into control (C, n = 6) and experimental (F, n = 6) groups treated with a diet containing flaxseed flour. Serum hormone and fatty acids composition, morphology of intra-abdominal adipocytes, computed tomography and biomechanical analyses of femur were determined. Food intake, body mass and hormone analysis have shown similar results. The F group showed the following (p < 0.05): lower arachidonic acid (-60%), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (-30%) and retroperitoneal adipocytes (-36%) area. Higher radiodensity of femoral head region (+29%) and higher maximum force (+18%), breaking strength (+18%) and rigidity (+31%). Fatty acid composition of flaxseed flour decreased the area of adipocytes and improved the bone quality, which may be associated with lower serum levels of arachidonic acid levels, during the post-weaning period.

Incorporation of Flaxseed Flour as a Dietary Source for ALA Increases Bone Density and Strength in Post‐Partum Female Rats

“…Thus, when a diet rich in LNA is consumed, the receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma (PPAR-γ) is recruited to convert pre-adipocytes into adipocytes, which consequently leads to fat accumulation. Our results show the same diet intake between groups, as was previously reported by Ribeiro et al [22,28], and since the profile of fatty experimental diet was ALA (56.6%) and LNA (13.2%) [34], probably the fatty acid composition of the diet was determinant to outcomes observed in dam rats treated with flaxseed flour diet. Diets with a low ratio of n-6/n-3 have beneficial effects on bone as reducing bone turnover, greater deposition of calcium in bones, high synthesis bone collagen, and decreased series 2 prostaglandin (PGE2) production [21].…”

“…DaCosta et al [38] also observed improvement of all bone parameters after offering flaxseed in young male rats, corroborating our data. Previously, Ribeiro et al [28] offered flaxseed flour only during the post-weaning period to dam rats (30 days). In this study, flaxseed flour was offered during lactation and post-weaning, and we observed, in addition to lower ARA and total PUFA, a significant increase of EPA values showing a positive relationship between consumption time and beneficial effects of ALA. Studies have reported a competition between LNA and ALA, as the same enzymes delta-6-desaturase, which is a key enzyme in the process of elongation and desaturation.…”

“…Determination of fatty acid composition was evaluated in serum samples. Derivatisation of lipid extract was performed according to AOAC Official Methods 996.06 [27], with some modifications such as previously published by Ribeiro et al [28].…”

<i>Linum usitatissimum</i> (Flaxseed) Oil during Postpartum Period Contributes to Lean Mass and Healthy Serum Lipid Profile in Rats

“…Dams remained in experimental protocol and diets were adjusted for maintenance period (AIN-93M) until 51 postpartum. Postpartum protocol studies have suggested the period of 30 days after weaning as a potential moment to implement nutritional strategies using flaxseed upon adiposity and health parameters [12,13]. The study incorporated post-weaning period, 21 days of lactation period and 30 days of post-lactation.…”

“…An increased production of eicosanoids from ARA's metabolism can be associated with effects that could lead to CND such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity [10]. However, the addition of dietetic sources rich in n-3 fatty acids such as flaxseed in a diet, have provided positive results, such as in body mass, adiposity and lipid profile [11][12][13][14][15][16]. Flaxseed oil (FO) is an important source of n-3 fatty acids that can be consumed as a supplement or food ingredient.…”