Chia Supplementation and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Parallel to epidemic obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence has markedly increased during the last years, and recent data point out that one of three adults courses with this disease. NAFLD etiopathogeny is multifactorial, an inadequate diet characterized by high fructose content and deficient consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, scarce physical activity, excess abdominal visceral fat (AVF), insulin resistance, and genetic susceptibility have shown to be relevant determinants. Although NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma, its most frequent complications are type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and coronary artery disease (CAD); therefore, NAFLD is considered a multisystemic disease and a public health problem. Currently, no specific pharmacological treatment is available for NAFLD, hence, modifications in life style, including weight loss by caloric restriction and increased physical activity, are still the treatment of choice for this type of patients. Recent studies indicate that the supplementation of the diet with omega-3 fatty acids of marine origin (eicosapentanoic acid \[EPA\]/docosahexaenoic acid \[DHA\]) and the Mediterranean-style diet (rich in omega-3, antioxidants, and fiber) are efficient for NAFLD treatment, because they diminish the intrahepatic fat content and improve the metabolic profile, even in non-caloric restriction diets. However, the socioeconomic and cultural characteristics make the consumption of these food difficult in some populations, which has led to the search of alternative vegetal sources rich in these nutrients. Although, there is evidence in animal models suggesting that chia (Salvia hispanica L.) could be an alternative able to reduce the intrahepatic fat content, its effect on NAFLD has not been studied in humans. Hence, the objective of this study was to analyze whether the consumption of an isocaloric diet supplemented with 25 g/day of chia can diminish NAFLD and the metabolic anomalies that