High-Protein bar Supplemented with Chia Seed Improves Lipidemic Parameters in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Chia (Salvia hispanical.) seeds are known to have high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and fiber. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a High-Protein Bar (PB) supplemented with chia seed added to the feed on the organs, tissues, and biochemical parameters of male Wistar adult rats (n=32) divided into four groups (n=8), namely group I (ration + 20% chia seeds); group II (ration + PB without chia seeds); group III (ration + 20% PB containing 15% chia seed); group IV (ration + 20% PB containing 20% chia seeds). The shelf-life of PBs was assessed during 45 days in terms of texture, color, and antioxidant activity using the β-carotene/linoleic acid assay. The centesimal composition of the formulations showed a significantly higher value of fiber offered to group I. Animals of groups III and IV showed a lower consumption of the ration (p<0.05), while those of group I lower weight of the heart as well as of retroperitoneal, epididymal and perirenal tissues (p<0.05). The biochemical parameters showed a significant improvement (p<0.05) in testosterone levels in groups that received the rations partially replaced by chia seed-containing PB. In addition, group II, which received the ration enriched with PB without chia seed, showed the highest serum triacylglycerol value, highlighting the important role of chia seeds on lipidemic parameters. It is worth mentioning that more in-depth studies must be carried out to validate the results obtained in the current study.