Abstract

Objective: To determine whether addition of Salba (Salvia hispanica L.), a novel whole-grain, rich in fiber, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and minerals, to conventional treatment is associated with improvement in major and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Research Design and Methods: Using a single-blind, crossover design, subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 37±4 g/day of Salba or wheat bran for 12 weeks while maintained on their conventional diabetes therapies. Twenty well-controlled subjects with type 2 diabetes (11M:9F; age 64±8 years; BMI 28±4 kg/m²; A1C6.8±0.9%) completed the study. Setting: outpatient clinic (Risk Factor Modification Center, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada).

Results: Compared to control, Salba reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 6.3±4 mmHg (p<0.001), hs-CRP (mg/L) by 40±1.6% (p=0.04), and vonWillebrand factor (vWF) by 21±0.3% (p=0.03), with significant decreases in A1C and fibrinogen in relation to the Salba baseline but not with control. There were no changes in safety parameters including liver, kidney and haemostatic function or body weight. Both plasma ALA and EPA PUFA levels were increased two-fold (p<0.05) while consuming Salba.

Conclusions: Long-term supplementation with Salba attenuated a major cardiovascular risk factor (SBP) and emerging factors (hs-CRP and vWF) safely beyond conventional therapy, while maintaining good glycemic and lipid control in people with well-controlled type 2 diabetes.