Effects of chia (Salvia hispanica. L) on anthropometric measures and other cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Findings of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of chia are inconsistent. Although previous meta-analyses summarized available findings in this regard, some limitations may distort their findings. Moreover, none of these meta-analyses examined the dose-response association of chia on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia consumption on CMRFs.

Methods: Relevant RCTs were included by searching the ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases up to June 2, 2023. Mean differences (MD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using random-effects model.

Results: Ten publications were included in this systematic review and the meta-analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD = -7.87 mmHg; 95 % CI: - 12.92 to - 2.82; I² = 71.3 %, P _{heterogeneity} = 0.004), diastolic blood pressure (MD = -6.33 mmHg; 95 %CI: - 7.33 to - 5.34, I² = 0 %, P _{heterogeneity} = 0.42) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (MD = -4.09 mg/dl; 95 %CI: - 6.76 to - 1.43, I² = 12.4 %, P _{heterogeneity} = 0.33). However, the effects of chia on the other risk factors were not significant. Based on the dose-response analysis, a 10-g/d increase in chia consumption significantly reduced SBP (MD = -2.20 mmHg; 95 %CI: - 3.75 to - 0.66, I² = 78.9 %, P _{heterogeneity} < 0.001) and HDL-c (MD = -1.10 mg/dl; 95 %CI: - 1.72 to - 0.49, I² = 0 %, P _{heterogeneity} = 0.52).

Conclusion: Chia consumption might have a beneficial effect on lowering blood pressure. Chia consumption can also lead to a slight reduction in HDL-c levels. As the quality of the included studies was mostly low, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Well-designed trials with larger sample sizes and longer duration of follow-up are needed to provide additional insight into the dose-dependent effects of chia consumption.

Keywords: Cardiometabolic risk factors; Chia seed; Dose-response; Meta-analysis.