Protective Effects of Flax Seed Oil on Body Weight Changes Caused by Caffeinated Energy Drink in Adult Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Flax seed oil has proven dynamic multi systemic effects since ancient times. Consumption of caffeinated energy drinks has also been increased among youth in order to increase mental and physical performance. Due to their widespread usage, hazardous effects on various systems of human body have been reported. 
 Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the protective effects of flax seed oil on caffeinated energy drink induced changes in adult male albino rat body weight.
 Place & Duration of Study: This study was conducted in FPGMI, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore for 8 weeks.
 Material & methods: 32 adult male albino rats average weight (250-300g) were randomly divided into four groups of 8 animals each. Group A (Control) received corn oil 5ml/kg body weight by gavage in addition to basal diet daily for 8 weeks. Group B (Experimental) were fed on caffeinated energy drink (15ml/kg body weight) and corn oil (5ml/kg body weight). Group C (Experimental) received caffeinated energy drink (15ml/kg body weight) and 40% of flax seed oil (5ml/kg body weight), while group D (Experimental) received caffeinated energy drink(15ml/kg body weight) and 60% flax seed oil (5ml/kg body weight) daily for 8 weeks respectively. The animals were weighed before and after experiment.
 Results: The mean body weight of rats before experiment was insignificant (p = 0.945). After experiment the mean body weight of experimental group B, C and D was increased as compared to control group A, but statistically it was insignificant ( p = 0.319) however, percentage body weight gain was significant( p = 0.003).
 Conclusion: Flax seed oil alleviated altered body weight caused by caffeinated energy drink in adult male albino rats