Chia Seed Impact on Postprandial Glycemia and Appetite in Overweight Adults

Impact of Chia Seed (Salvia Hispanica L.) Ingestion on Postprandial Glycemia and Appetite in Overweight Adults: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Overweight and obesity affect nearly 2.5 billion adults worldwide and increase cardiometabolic risk. Postprandial glucose excursions are influenced by diet and inactivity and predict metabolic disorders, while South Asians, particularly Pakistanis, are more vulnerable due to genetic and lifestyle factors and processed diets. This study evaluates the impact of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) ingestion on postprandial glycemia and appetite in overweight adults, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

A randomized controlled crossover trial will be conducted among 30 overweight adults (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²), aged 18-40 years. Participants will undergo control and intervention phases separated by a 14-day washout. The control beverage will contain 50 g glucose in 250 mL water, while the intervention beverage will contain the same beverage supplemented with 30 g chia seeds. Glucose response will be assessed using incremental area under the curve (iAUC) by the trapezoidal method, with appetite response also evaluated. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25; baseline characteristics will be presented as mean ± SD, and between-group differences will be assessed using a linear mixed model at p < 0.05. Chia seed ingestion is expected to reduce postprandial blood glucose and improve appetite control.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: 18-40 years
• BMI: 25-29.9 kg/m²
• Male and female participants
• Normoglycemic participants

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant
• Smoking
• Prediabetes/diabetes Medication use Chronic disease Supplementation