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

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.