Health Care Professional Information
Clinical Summary
The seeds of Chia plant, which is native to Central and South America, have been consumed as food since ancient times. They are high in dietary fiber, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and have been used as dietary supplements for cardiovascular health and for weight loss.
Chia seeds were shown to prevent onset of dyslipidemia (1) (6), reverse insulin resistance (1), and confer cardio- and hepatoprotective effects in obese mice (7). However, Chia did not benefit overweight adults in clinical studies (3), but may help patients with type 2 diabetes (4). Further research is needed.
Chia seeds demonstrated anti-cancer properties (2) in mice, but human studies have not been conducted.
Mechanism of Action
The beneficial effects of Chia seeds may be due to complex carbohydrates, vegetable protein, n-3 PUFAs, dietary fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and their combined effects. Further studies are needed to isolate the components responsible for such effects.
Herb-Drug Interactions
- May potentiate the effects of anti-diabetic medications.
- May increase the effects of antihypertensive medications.
Herb Lab Interactions
- High amounts of n-3 PUFAs could lead to altered bleeding and clotting times (5).
- May reduce blood sugar levels.
Literature Summary and Critique
Vuksan V, Whitham D, Sievenpiper JL, et al. Supplementation of conventional therapy with the novel grain Salba (Salvia hispanica L.) improves major and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: results of a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care. Nov 2007;30(11):2804-2810.
Twenty patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive 37 g of Salba or wheat bran daily. for 12 weeks. This was followed by a 6- week washout. Subjects were then switched to the other arm for another 12 week treatment period. At weeks 0 and 12, fasting blood samples were collected. Compared to baseline, systolic blood pressure, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, von Willebrand factor, A1C and fibrinogen were significantly decreased in the salba group. Because such decreases are associated with a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, salba may benefit those at an increased risk.
Nieman DC, Cayea EJ, Austin MD, et al. Chia seed does not promote weight loss or alter disease risk factors in overweight adults. Nutr Res. Jun 2009;29(6):414-418.
Ninety overweight adults were randomized to receive two 25 gm servings of Chia seeds or placebo daily for 12 weeks. No changes in body mass, body composition, serum lipoprotein, serum glucose, systolic blood pressure or serum CRP were observed in the Chia group compared to placebo group. Further studies are warranted.
References
- Chicco AG, D'Alessandro ME, Hein GJ, et al. Dietary chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) rich in alpha-linolenic acid improves adiposity and normalises hypertriacylglycerolaemia and insulin resistance in dyslipaemic rats. Br J Nutr. Jan 2009;101(1):41-50.
- Espada CE, Berra MA, Martinez MJ, et al. Effect of Chia oil (Salvia Hispanica) rich in omega-3 fatty acids on the eicosanoid release, apoptosis and T-lymphocyte tumor infiltration in a murine mammary gland adenocarcinoma. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. Jul 2007;77(1):21-28.
- Nieman DC, Cayea EJ, Austin MD, et al. Chia seed does not promote weight loss or alter disease risk factors in overweight adults. Nutr Res. Jun 2009;29(6):414-418.
- Vuksan V, Whitham D, Sievenpiper JL, et al. Supplementation of conventional therapy with the novel grain Salba (Salvia hispanica L.) improves major and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: results of a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care. Nov 2007;30(11):2804-2810.
- Schmidt EB, Nielsen LK, Pedersen JO, et al. The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipids, platelet function, coagulation, fibrinolysis and monocyte chemotaxis in patients with hypertension.Clin Chim Acta. Jul 1990;189(1):25-32.
- Chicco AG, D'Alessandro ME, Hein GJ, Oliva ME, Lombardo YB. Dietary chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) rich in alpha-linolenic acid improves adiposity and normalises hypertriacylglycerolaemia and insulin resistance in dyslipaemic rats. Br J Nutr. 2009 Jan;101(1):41-50.
- Poudyal H, Panchal SK, Waanders J, Ward L, Brown L. Lipid redistribution by á-linolenic acid-rich chia seed inhibits stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 and induces cardiac and hepatic protection in diet-induced obese rats. J Nutr Biochem. 2011 Mar 22. [Epub ahead of print]
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Chia may have some nutritional benefits, but it has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer. More research is necessary.
The seeds of Chia plant are rich in fiber and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of essential fatty acid. They are thought to be useful for weight loss and reducing risk of heart disease. Data from human studies showed that Chia seeds may help to regulate blood sugar but do not affect weight loss. Oil from Chia seeds demonstrated anticancer effects in labs but this has not been shown in humans.
Purported Uses
- Weight Loss
Results from a clinical trial showed that Chia did not affect weight loss. More studies are needed.
Research Evidence
Cardiovascular health
Twenty patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to receive 37 g of Salba or wheat bran daily for 12 weeks. This was followed by a 6-week period of no treatment. Subjects were then switched to the other arm for 12 weeks. At weeks 0 and 12, fasting blood samples were collected. Compared to baseline, systolic blood pressure, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, von Willebrand factor, A1C and fibrinogen were significantly decreased in the salba group. Because such decreases are associated with a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, salba may benefit those at an increased risk.
Weight Loss
In this study, 90 overweight adults received two 25 gm servings of Chia seeds or placebo daily for 12 weeks. No changes in body mass, body composition, serum lipoprotein, serum glucose, systolic blood pressure or serum CRP were observed in the Chia group compared to placebo group. Further studies are warranted.
Do Not Take If
- Chia seeds may increase the adverse effects of prescription drugs for blood sugar and for blood pressure. Patients using these medications should speak to a physician before using Chia supplements.
Last updated: July 27, 2011
acid (A-sid)
A chemical that gives off hydrogen ions in water and forms salts by combining with certain metals. Acids have a sour taste and turn certain dyes red. Some acids made by the body, such as gastric acid, can help organs work the way they should. An example of an acid is hydrochloric acid. Acidity is measured on a scale called the pH scale. On this scale, a value of 7 is neutral, and a pH value of less than 7 to 0 shows increasing acidity.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)baseline (BAYS-line)
An initial measurement that is taken at an early time point to represent a beginning condition, and is used for comparison over time to look for changes. For example, the size of a tumor will be measured before treatment (baseline) and then afterwards to see if the treatment had an effect.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood pressure (blud PREH-sher)
The force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: systolic (measured when the heart beats, when blood pressure is at its highest) and diastolic (measured between heart beats, when blood pressure is at its lowest). Blood pressure is written with the systolic blood pressure first, followed by the diastolic blood pressure (for example 120/80).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood sugar (blud SHUH-ger)
Glucose (a type of sugar) found in the blood. Also called glycemia.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cardiovascular (KAR-dee-oh-VAS-kyoo-ler)
Having to do with the heart and blood vessels.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical trial (KLIH-nih-kul TRY-ul)
A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diabetes (dy-uh-BEE-teez)
Any of several diseases in which the kidneys make a large amount of urine. Diabetes usually refers to diabetes mellitus in which there is also a high level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood because the body does not make enough insulin or use it the way it should.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fatty acid (FA-tee A-sid)
A major component of fats that is used by the body for energy and tissue development.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fiber (FY-ber)
In food, fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that cannot be digested. The fiber in food may help prevent cancer. In the body, fiber refers to tissue made of long threadlike cells, such as muscle fiber or nerve fiber.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)glucose (GLOO-kose)
A type of sugar; the chief source of energy for living organisms.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)insulin (IN-suh-lin)
A hormone made by the islet cells of the pancreas. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood by moving it into the cells, where it can be used by the body for energy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)mass (mas)
In medicine, a lump in the body. It may be caused by the abnormal growth of cells, a cyst, hormonal changes, or an immune reaction. A mass may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)obese (oh-BEES)
Having an abnormally high, unhealthy amount of body fat.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)overweight (OH-ver-WAYT)
Being too heavy for one’s height. Excess body weight can come from fat, muscle, bone, and/or water retention. Being overweight does not always mean being obese.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)physician (fih-ZIH-shun)
Medical doctor.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)placebo (pluh-SEE-boh)
An inactive substance or treatment that looks the same as, and is given the same way as, an active drug or treatment being tested. The effects of the active drug or treatment are compared to the effects of the placebo.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prescription (prih-SKRIP-shun)
A doctor's order for medicine or another intervention.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)protein (PROH-teen)
A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)randomized
Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments.
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)reduction (ree-DUK-shun)
A chemical reaction that takes place when a substance comes into contact with hydrogen or another reducing substance.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)resistance
Failure of a cancer to shrink after treatment.
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)sensitivity (SEN-sih-TIH-vih-tee)
When referring to a medical test, sensitivity refers to the percentage of people who test positive for a specific disease among a group of people who have the disease. No test has 100% sensitivity because some people who have the disease will test negative for it (false negatives).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)serum (SEER-um)
The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
