Effect of chia product supplement on anthropometric measures, blood pressure, glycemic-related parameters, lipid profile and inflammatory indicators: A systematic and meta-analysis

The Quality Characteristics of Gluten-Free Cake Produced from Maize Starch, Chia and Lentil Flours

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of chia (0-4 and 8%) and lentil flour (0-8 and 16%) on the physical, sensorial, and textural properties of maize starch cake. The results showed that the addition of gluten-free ingredients decreased the internal color L* and a* color values ​​of cakes but increased the b* color values. In general, gluten-free ingredients positively affected the symmetry properties of the cake samples and symmetry index values of gluten-free cakes varied between 8.5 and 24.5 mm. The addition of chia flour decreased the hardness of the cake samples on the first day. Gluten-free ingredients caused a decrease in the hardness of the cake samples on all three days of storage. Adding chia and lentil flour to gluten-free cake formulations did not affect the chewiness of the cakes on the first day of storage, but reduced the chewiness of gluten-free cakes on the second and third days of storage. In the sensory evaluation, the most appreciated formulation by the panelists was the formulation containing 4% chia and 8% lentil flour. The results show that the properties of maize starch cake can be improved by the addition of chia and lentil flours.

Unlocking the Potential of Chia Intake in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome and its Risk Conditions: A Narrative Review

Metabolic syndrome is the occurrence of at least three of the five conditions diabetes, overweight and obesity, triglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. Dietary interventions have been one of the first lines of treatment indicated for improving conditions related to metabolic syndrome. The growing interest in plant-based diets and foods with health-promoting qualities has increased significantly. Due to its excellent nutritional and bioactive value, chia seeds have a significant market share, characterized by their high content of proteins, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. These constituents promote potential positive effects on improving health, especially blood pressure, and reducing oxidative stress and the inflammatory state installed by metabolic syndrome and its risk conditions. However, the ten studies in humans that were reviewed generally showed no effect on anthropometric parameters and biochemical parameters related to glucose and lipid homeostasis. Thus, although chia seeds have a high potential to combat metabolic syndrome, this review found few studies, highlighting a gap in the area and a possible future topic for researchers.

Chia seed supplementation and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Chia seeds have gained attention for their potential anti-inflammatory properties, which may be attributed to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, and antioxidants. This study aims to provide an overview of the current understanding regarding the effects of chia seeds on inflammatory markers, specifically C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar up to June 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of chia seed on CRP or/and IL-6 or/and TNF-α. Data were extracted and analysed using a random-effects model, and reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Four RCTs involving 210 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that chia consumption significantly decreased CRP (WMD: -0.64 mg/dl; 95% CI: -1.24, -0.04; P = 0.03). But it had no significant effect on IL-6 (WMD: 0.29 pg/dl; 95% CI: -0.40, 0.98; P = 0.41), and TNF-α (WMD: 0.05%; 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.30; P = 0.72). Chia consumption can significantly decrease CRP, but no significant effect was observed on IL-6 and TNF-α. To prove our findings, more studies with a larger sample size are needed.

Effects of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) supplementation on cardiometabolic health in overweight subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a significant public health issue associated with various chronic diseases. Research has indicated that chia seeds have the potential to improve cardiometabolic health. However, due to the diversity of research and inconsistencies in study design, further investigation is needed to fully understand their clinical effects on overweight individuals. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the available evidence on the effects of chia seeds on cardiometabolic indices in overweight populations through a meta-analysis.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases from their inception until 01-03-2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of chia on cardiometabolic indices in overweight subjects. The search strategy incorporated both Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Following the screening, ten RCTs were finally included. The data, including subject characteristics, study design, and changes in serum biomarkers, were extracted and analyzed using Stata software version 18.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis results reveal that chia supplementation no significant changes in lipid profile, including triglycerides (TG) (MD: - 5.80 mg/dL, p = 0.47), total cholesterol (TC) (MD: - 0.29 mg/dL, p = 0.95), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (MD: 1.53 mg/dL, p = 0.33), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (MD: 0.63 mg/dL, p = 0.88). Similarity fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD: - 0.03 mg/dL, p = 0.98), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD: - 0.13%, p = 0.13), and insulin levels (MD: 0.45 µIU/mL, p = 0.78). However, chia seed supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) (MD: - 1.18 mg/L, p < 0.0001), but no significant changes were observed in interleukin-6 (IL-6) (MD: - 0.15, p = 0.70) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (MD: 0.03, p = 0.91). There was no significant effect on body mass index (BMI) (MD: 0.1 kg/m2, p = 0.91), but a significant reduction in waist circumference (WC) (MD: - 2.82 cm, p < 0.001) was noted. Additionally, chia seed supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (BP) (MD: - 3.27 mmHg, p = 0.03), though diastolic BP changes were non-significant (MD: - 2.69 mmHg, p = 0.09). The studies showed low to moderate heterogeneity in outcome measures, with I2 < 50%.

CONCLUSION

Chia seed supplementation does not significantly impact most lipid profile parameters and glycemic markers. However, it shows potential benefits in reducing WC, BP, and CRP. While chia seeds can be a valuable addition to cardiometabolic health management, they should be part of a broader health strategy that includes a balanced diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications for optimal results.

The effectiveness of chia seed in improving glycemic status: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of chia seeds in improving glycemic status, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar up to January 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of chia seeds on FBG, HbA1c, and/or insulin that meet our eligibility criteria were included. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB2) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Data were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model and reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. The registration number was CRD42023441766.

RESULTS

Out of 341 articles retrieved from the initial search, 8 RCTs (with 10 arms) involving 362 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that chia consumption had no significant effect on FBG (WMD: 0.79 %; 95 % CI: -0.97 to 2.55; p = 0.38), HbA1c (WMD: -0.12 %; 95 % CI: -0.27 to 0.02; p = 0.09), and insulin (WMD:1.23 %; 95 % CI: -1.77 to 4.22; p = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Chia seed consumption shows no significant impact on FBG, HbA1c, and insulin levels. This study is limited by the small number of studies in the meta-analysis and the significant heterogeneity among them, necessitating further research with larger sample sizes.