Abstract
BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a public health problem lacking an approved pharmacological treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to reverse NAFLD. Chia is a seed rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), antioxidants, and fiber; therefore, it could be useful to treat NAFLD.MethodsIn a single arm experimental design study, the effect of 25 g/day of milled chia was assessed in 25 patients with NAFLD. After two weeks of dietary stabilization (basal condition) and eight weeks of a chia-supplemented isocaloric diet, liver:spleen attenuation index and visceral abdominal fat (VAF) were measured by computed tomography. Lipids, lipoproteins, free fatty acids (FFA), and ALA plasma concentrations were also determined.ResultsDietary chia supplementation induced an increase in plasma ALA concentration (75%) and dietary fiber (55%) consumption. After chia supplementation, VAF (9%), body weight (1.4%), total cholesterol (2.5%), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.2%), and circulating FFA (8%) decreased. Furthermore, NAFLD regressed in 52% of the treated patients (P < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsThe results of the present study show that 25 g/day of milled chia ameliorates NAFLD. Chia is an accessible vegetal source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, which could have the potential to prevent metabolic abnormalities in NAFLD patients. Considering that there is no pharmacological treatment approved for NAFLD, the findings of the present study suggest that a chia-supplemented diet could be an innovative alternative to control this disease.Retrospectively registeredhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03942822
Highlights
Parallel to the obesity epidemic, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence has markedly increased during the last years [1]
No drug has been approved for the treatment of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recent studies indicate that dietary supplementation with marine-origin omega-3 fatty acids and the Mediterranean-style diet are useful to treat NAFLD [4, 5]
Eligible subjects were those younger than 70years (30–69 years) with NAFLD diagnosis confirmed by computed tomography (CT) imaging and with insulin resistance assessed by the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) [12]
Summary
Parallel to the obesity epidemic, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence has markedly increased during the last years [1]. Poor-quality diets characterized by high fructose content and deficient omega-3 fatty acids consumption, scarce physical activity, excess in visceral abdominal fat (VAF), insulin resistance, and genetic susceptibility have shown to be relevant determinants for this hepatic disorder [2,3,4]. No drug has been approved for the treatment of NAFLD, recent studies indicate that dietary supplementation with marine-origin omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]/docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and the Mediterranean-style diet are useful to treat NAFLD [4, 5]. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a public health problem lacking an approved pharmacological treatment. Chia is a seed rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), antioxidants, and fiber; it could be useful to treat NAFLD
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