The Effect of Salvia Hispanica L. Seeds on Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

There is growing interest in the potential role of seeds in attenuating conditions, such as obesity and other CVD risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Preliminary clinical data show that consumption of a single variety of Salvia hispanica L. (SH) seeds (commercially known as Salba) may increase satiety and aid weight loss in T2DM. Primary objective: Effect of SH consumption on body weight; secondary objective: Effect on waist circumference, % fat, glycemic control (HbA1c, glucose/insulin) and tertiary objective: Blood pressure, plasma lipids, low-grade body inflammation (hs-CRP). This study followed a double-blind, parallel design in 58 overweight/obese individuals with well-controlled T2DM. Over 24 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to consume SH or an energy-and-fibre-matched oat bran (OB)-based control and followed a hypocaloric diet. Net energy intake compared to estimated energy requirements/day for SH vs. OB groups was –158 kcal vs. –114 kcal (p=0.865). Compared to OB, the SH group lost more weight (–1.8±0.5 vs. –0.5±0.4 kg, p=0.039) and reduced waist circumference (–3.4±0.8 vs. –1.3±0.7 cm, p=0.027). Hs-CRP decreased in SH vs. OB (–1.4±0.5 vs. –0.2±0.4 mg/L, p=0.020). There were no significant between-group differences in glycemic control, blood pressure or other CVD risk factors. In addition, no significant side effects were reported. The consumption of SH seeds as part of an energy-reduced diet may be useful for body weight regulation in overweight/obese individuals with T2DM. Further research is needed to determine whether this weight loss can be maintained over a longer time period.