Renal Function Indices are Distorted by Chronic Consumption of Thermoxidised Palm Oil

Abstract

Fresh palm oil is known to compose of vitamin A and E; two well known antioxidants which combat alot of ailments caused by reactive oxygen species. Thermoxidized palm oil on the other hand has deleterious effects on some organs. This study was done to find out the effects of chronic consumption of palm oil on some renal function indices (protein, glucose and creatinine) in rats. Thirty male albino rats (weighing 140g-160g) of the wistar strain were randomly divided into three groups of ten rats each namely: control; (fed normal rat chow), FPO (fed 15%w/w fresh palm oil diets) and TPO (fed 15%w/w thermoxidized palm oil diets). All groups had free access to tap water. Results showed that plasma protein levels in TPO-fed animals were significantly (P<0.001) higher compared with control and FPO-fed groups. Creatinine levels were significantly (P<0.001) higher in TPO-fed group than those of the control and FPO-fed groups. Urine protein, glucose and creatinine levels in the TPO-fed group were significantly (P<0.001) higher than those of control and FPO groups. Conclusion: Chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil distorts renal handling of protein, glucose and Creatinine, while fresh palm oil maintains these renal function indices.