Key Findings:
There is a positive correlation between pregnancy and levels of adiposity. During pregnancy the composition of the bone also changes with the demands of the fetus for minerals. In this study milled flaxseed (flour) led to reductions in serum lipids in rats. A lower percentage of body, gonadal, mesenteric and intra-abdominal fat mass in the female rats followed the flax diet and bone mineral density (BMC) recovered more rapidly. The authors recommend the further study of flax as a preventive measure against and to maintain a healthy biochemical profile (bone and lipids) during the postnatal period.
Abstract:
Introduction: There are few studies on body composition and the effects of diet on weight postpartum women. The aim was to evaluate the body composition and bone parameters in lactating rats treated with diet containing flaxseed flour during postweaning period. Methods: After weaning, the lactating rat were divided in control and experimental group, treated with 25 per cent flaxseed flour diet. After 30 days, body composition by dual energy X ray absorptiometry, serum analysis, organs and intra abdominal fat mass, femur and lumbar vertebra parameters were determined. Results: The groups showed similar food intake, body mass and bone parameters. While F group showed the following: lower body (-5 per cent), gonadal (- 17 per cent), mesenteric (-23 per cent) and intra abdominal (- 6 per cent) fat mass. Increase of HDL cholesterol (+10 per cent) and lower glucose (-15 per cent), triglycerides and cholesterol. Conclusions: The findings highlight the effects of flaxseed for control of adiposity and to maintain a healthy biochemical profile during the postnatal period.
This is a free article, click below to view:
Link to Full Text