The Effect of Chia Seeds on HDL Cholesterol

Chia seeds are touted as a health food capable of a beneficial effect on HDL cholesterol. Similar claims have been made for oats in various forms, claiming they improve cholesterol or are in some way heart healthy.

The investigators wish to demonstrate the effect of daily consumption of chia seeds, if any, on HDL cholesterol levels and compare this to the effects of oats on HDL levels.

This pilot study was a randomized controlled trial at an academic primary care center. Participation was voluntary and all participants provided written consent prior to enrollment. There were no exclusionary criteria other than that participants must be adults willing to come in to get their cholesterol profiles checked at the beginning and end of the study. Participants consumed their assigned breakfast in a standard serving size for a month with blood draws and weights recorded before and after the diet. Patients' cholesterol profiles were also compared with their weights. To standardize the delivery of chia seeds, the group consuming chia seeds mixed the chia with oatmeal. The three groups thus consisted of Cheerios, oatmeal and oatmeal with chia seeds. Initially, there were a total of 11 subjects, three in the Cheerios group, four in the oatmeal group, and four in the oatmeal with chia seeds group. Two subjects were lost to follow-up, one each from the Cheerios and oatmeal groups, respectively. Statistical analysis including one way analysis was done with means, Wilcoxon/Kruskal Wallis test and 1 way test.

Inclusion criteria

• Must be able to give voluntary consent
• Must be greater than or equal to 18 years old
• Must be willing to give blood twice
• Must be able to eat assigned breakfast

Exclusion criteria

• "Subjects between the ages of 18 and 50 years old without a history of food allergies to either chia seeds or oats, kidney stones or a history of hyperlipidemia or treatment for hyperlipidemia will be eligible."