Research

Chia

31 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

10
Meta-analyses
4
Systematic reviews
13
RCTs
4
Other studies
Meta-analyses (32%)
Systematic reviews (13%)
RCTs (42%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2025·Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)·Zena Kadhim Al-Younis, Sarmad Ghazi Al-Shawi, A K Kareem, et al

A Critical Review of the Health Benefits Associated with Chia Seeds (Salvia Hispanica L.).

Meta-analysisn = 2,500Heart Health Inflammation Physique

This umbrella review synthesizes data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs to evaluate the effects of chia supplementation on health outcomes. Chia supplementation resulted in significant reductions in diastolic and systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, waist circumference, and C-reactive protein, with a small reduction in HDL-C. The certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to low.

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2025·Nutrition reviews·Faranak TaghipourSheshdeh, Mehrdad Behzadi, Sara Bashiri, et al

The Effect of Chia Seed on Blood Pressure, Body Composition, and Glycemic Control: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Meta-analysisHeart Health Nutrition -

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs assessing chia seed consumption on metabolic factors. Significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed, but no significant effects on body weight, body composition, or glycemic control.

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2024·Prostaglandins & other lipid mediators·Hawal Lateef Fateh, Dyari H Ahmed, Maryam Sharifi Najafabadi, et al

The impact of chia seeds on diabetes, blood pressure, lipid profile, and obesity indicators: Systematic review and meta-regression analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials.

Meta-analysisn = 835Heart Health Inflammation Physique

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs with 835 participants examining chia seed supplementation. Findings showed a decrease in triglyceride and LDL-C levels, and a reduction in systolic blood pressure, suggesting beneficial effects on dyslipidemia, hypertension, and body weight.

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2024·Clinical therapeutics·Mohamed J Saadh, Munthar Kadhim Abosaoda, Lalji Baldaniya, et al

The Effects of Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) Consumption on Blood Pressure and Body Composition in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Meta-analysisn = 372Heart Health Physique

This systematic review and meta-analysis of eight RCTs with 372 participants assessed the effects of chia seed consumption on blood pressure and body composition in adults. Chia seed consumption significantly reduced diastolic and systolic blood pressure and waist circumference, but had no significant effect on BMI and weight.

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2024·Diabetes & metabolic syndrome·Pedram Pam, Iman El Sayed, Sanaz Asemani, et al

The effectiveness of chia seed in improving glycemic status: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 362

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of chia seeds in improving glycemic status, including fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin. The analysis included 8 RCTs with 362 participants and found that chia consumption had no significant effect on these glycemic markers.

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2024·Journal of nutritional science·Pedram Pam, Sanaz Asemani, Mohammad Hesam Azizi, et al

Chia seed supplementation and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 210Inflammation

Systematic review and meta-analysis of four RCTs involving 210 participants assessing the effect of chia seed supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers. Chia consumption significantly decreased CRP levels but had no significant effect on IL-6 and TNF-α.

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2024·Complementary therapies in medicine·Sevil Kiani, Sina Naghshi, Maryam Saghafi-Asl

Effects of chia (Salvia hispanica. L) on anthropometric measures and other cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisHeart Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating chia consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors. Chia significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure but also slightly reduced HDL-c levels. The quality of included studies was mostly low, suggesting cautious interpretation.

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2021·Food & function·Luciana de Abreu Silva, Bárbara Júlia Fonseca Verneque, Ana Paula Lucas Mota, et al

Chia seed (L.) consumption and lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisHeart Health Nutrition

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of chia seed consumption on lipid profiles and serum ω-3 fatty acids in adults. The results suggest that chia consumption has a protective effect on the lipid profile, decreasing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, while increasing HDL. Chia also altered serum fatty acids, reducing FFA and SFA, and increasing PUFAs, ALA, EPA, and LA.

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2020·Journal of food science·Bárbara N Enes, Luiza P D Moreira, Bárbara P Silva, et al

Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) effects and their molecular mechanisms on unbalanced diet experimental studies: A systematic review.

Systematic reviewInflammation Heart Health Nutrition

Systematic review of 17 animal studies on chia seed effects in unbalanced diet models. Chia seed consumption is associated with improved glucose and insulin tolerance, lipogenesis, antioxidant activity, and inflammation modulation, suggesting potential to reduce chronic disease risk.

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2015·Nutricion hospitalaria·Cynthia de Souza Ferreira, Lucilia de Fátima dd Sousa Fomes, Gilze Espirito Santo da Silva, et al

EFFECT OF CHIA SEED (SALVIA HISPANICA L.) CONSUMPTION ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN HUMANS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

Systematic reviewn = 200Heart Health Inflammation

Systematic review of seven studies on chia seed consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in humans. Findings were inconsistent, with some studies showing significant drops in systolic blood pressure and inflammatory markers, while others showed no significant changes in body mass, lipid profile, or blood sugar. Evidence is insufficient to establish a clear relationship between chia seed consumption and cardiovascular risk factors.

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2024·Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association·Mohammad Reza Shahparvari, Javad Nasrollahzadeh

Effect of chia seeds or concentrated fish oil on cardiometabolic risk markers in subjects with hypertriglyceridaemia: a parallel clinical trial.

RCTn = 66Heart Health

This RCT compared the effects of a low-calorie diet with chia seeds, concentrated fish oil, or no supplement on cardiometabolic risk markers in 66 hypertriglyceridaemic individuals. Both chia seeds and fish oil reduced plasma triglyceride levels compared to the control, with chia seeds also reducing diastolic blood pressure.

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2024·Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD·Camilla Elena Magi, Laura Rasero, Edoardo Mannucci, et al

Use of ancient grains for the management of diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 28Heart Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 RCTs on ancient grains for diabetes management. Oats showed a small to moderate beneficial effect on lipidic profile in type 2 diabetes patients, improving LDL-c and TC levels. Other grains like chia and millet did not show significant effects.

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2024·Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences·Gullnoor Khan, Muhammad Imran Hussain, Jannat Gull Khan, et al

Effect of Salvia hispanica (Chia seeds) and Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel seeds) against weight-loss and lipid profile in obese human subjects.

RCTNutrition Physique Heart Health

RCT conducted on obese individuals aged 25 to 40 years to evaluate the effect of chia and fennel seeds on weight-loss and lipid profile. The intervention group showed significant improvements in BMI, LDL, HDL, serum triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels compared to the control group.

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2019·Food & function·Diana Melo, Thelma B Machado, M Beatriz P P Oliveira

Chia seeds: an ancient grain trending in modern human diets.

Systematic reviewInflammation Heart Health

Systematic review of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.), focusing on their nutritional and chemical composition, and potential health benefits. Chia seeds are noted for their anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities, and positive effects on cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

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2018·Nutrition reviews·Siew Li Teoh, Nai Ming Lai, Possatorn Vanichkulpitak, et al

Clinical evidence on dietary supplementation with chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisNutrition Heart Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs assessing chia seed consumption in various populations, including healthy individuals and those with metabolic syndrome. Subgroup analysis showed lower postprandial blood glucose, lower high-density lipoprotein, and lower diastolic blood pressure at higher doses of chia seed. The quality of evidence was low or very low.

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2009·Reviews on recent clinical trials·Catherine Ulbricht, Wendy Chao, Katie Nummy, et al

Chia (Salvia hispanica): a systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration.

Systematic review

Systematic review evaluating scientific evidence on chia (Salvia hispanica) including history, pharmacology, dosing, interactions, and adverse effects. Limited evidence supports efficacy for various conditions, with only two clinical studies on cardiovascular disease risk factors showing mixed results. Historical use suggests safety for nonallergic individuals.

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2021·Nutrition and Health·Eman Zaid Marzouq Alwosais, E. Al‐Ozairi, T. Zafar, et al

Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) supplementation to the diet of adults with type 2 diabetes improved systolic blood pressure: A randomized controlled trial

RCTn = 42Heart Health

RCT of 42 adults with type 2 diabetes assessing the effects of 40 g/day chia seed supplementation for 12 weeks. The chia seed group showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to the control group, with no differences observed in other parameters.

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2020·Journal of medicinal food·Camila Saran da Silva, Camila Ribeiro de Arruda Monteiro, Guilherme Henrique Fagundes da Silva, et al

Assessing the Metabolic Impact of Ground Chia Seed in Overweight and Obese Prepubescent Children: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

RCTn = 30Inflammation

A double-blind randomized clinical trial assessed the metabolic impact of ground chia seed in 30 obese prepubescent children. Significant differences were observed in fibrinogen levels and inflammatory markers, suggesting chia seeds may have anti-inflammatory effects related to their fiber content.

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2016·Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD·V Vuksan, A L Jenkins, C Brissette, et al

Salba-chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in the treatment of overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 77Physique Inflammation Nutrition

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 77 overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes assessed the effects of Salba-chia supplementation. The Salba-chia group lost more weight and had greater reductions in waist circumference and C-reactive protein levels compared to the control group. Plasma adiponectin increased in the Salba-chia group, suggesting benefits for weight loss and obesity-related risk factors.

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2012·Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)·David C Nieman, Nicholas Gillitt, Fuxia Jin, et al

Chia seed supplementation and disease risk factors in overweight women: a metabolomics investigation.

RCTn = 56

RCT of 56 overweight, postmenopausal women comparing 25 g/day milled or whole chia seed to placebo for 10 weeks. Milled chia seed increased plasma ALA and EPA levels, but had no significant effect on inflammation or disease risk factors.

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2009·Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.)·David C Nieman, Erin J Cayea, Melanie D Austin, et al

Chia seed does not promote weight loss or alter disease risk factors in overweight adults.

RCTn = 76Physique -Inflammation -Heart Health -

RCT assessing the effectiveness of chia seed in promoting weight loss and altering disease risk factors in overweight adults. Ingestion of 50 g/d chia seed for 12 weeks had no influence on body mass, composition, or various disease risk factor measures.

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2016·European journal of clinical nutrition·V Vuksan, L Choleva, E Jovanovski, et al

Comparison of flax (Linum usitatissimum) and Salba-chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds on postprandial glycemia and satiety in healthy individuals: a randomized, controlled, crossover study.

RCTn = 15Nutrition

Randomized, controlled, crossover study comparing the effects of Salba-chia and flax seeds on postprandial glycemia and satiety in 15 healthy individuals. Both seeds reduced blood glucose levels, but Salba-chia had a greater impact on reducing peak glucose and increasing satiety compared to flax, likely due to its higher fiber viscosity.

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2014·Nutricion hospitalaria·Luciana Tavares Toscano, Lydiane Tavares Toscano, Renata Leite Tavares, et al

Chia induces clinically discrete weight loss and improves lipid profile only in altered previous values.

RCTn = 26Physique Heart Health

RCT evaluating the effect of 35 g/day chia flour supplementation in overweight or obese individuals over 12 weeks. Chia induced significant intragroup reduction in body weight and waist circumference, and improved lipid profile in those with abnormal initial values.

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2013·European journal of clinical nutrition·H Ho, A S Lee, E Jovanovski, et al

Effect of whole and ground Salba seeds (Salvia Hispanica L.) on postprandial glycemia in healthy volunteers: a randomized controlled, dose-response trial.

RCTn = 13Nutrition

RCT with 13 healthy participants testing the effect of whole and ground Salba seeds on postprandial glycemia. Both forms were equally effective in attenuating blood glucose levels in a dose-dependent manner when incorporated into bread.

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2011·Journal of strength and conditioning research·Travis G Illian, Jason C Casey, Phillip A Bishop

Omega 3 Chia seed loading as a means of carbohydrate loading.

RCTn = 6Physical Performance -

RCT comparing Omega 3 Chia seed loading to traditional carbohydrate loading in six highly trained male athletes. The study found no statistical difference in 10k time trial performance between the two methods, suggesting Omega 3 Chia loading is a viable option for reducing sugar intake while maintaining performance in endurance events.

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2010·European journal of clinical nutrition·V Vuksan, A L Jenkins, A G Dias, et al

Reduction in postprandial glucose excursion and prolongation of satiety: possible explanation of the long-term effects of whole grain Salba (Salvia Hispanica L.).

RCTn = 11Nutrition Heart Health

Acute, randomized, double-blind, controlled study with 11 healthy individuals assessing the effects of Salba (Salvia Hispanica L.) whole grain on postprandial glycemia. Salba significantly reduced postprandial glycemia and decreased appetite ratings, suggesting potential cardioprotective effects.

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2007·Diabetes care·Vladimir Vuksan, Dana Whitham, John L Sievenpiper, 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.

RCTn = 20Heart Health Inflammation

RCT of 20 subjects with type 2 diabetes testing Salba (Salvia hispanica L.) supplementation. Salba reduced systolic blood pressure, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and vonWillebrand factor, with improved glycemic and lipid control compared to control.

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2021·Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences·Sidra Munir, Sana Khurshid, Q. J. Iqbal, et al

Effect of Basil Seed and Chia SeedExtracts on Blood Lipid Profile

Animal studyHeart Health

Animal study on the effects of basil and chia seed extracts on body weight and plasma lipid profile in hyperlipidemic mice. Basil seed supplementation significantly lowered total plasma cholesterol, lipoproteins, and triacylglycerol levels without toxicity to vital organs.

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2020·Lipids in health and disease·Aida Medina-Urrutia, Angel R Lopez-Uribe, Mohamed El Hafidi, et al

Chia (Salvia hispanica)-supplemented diet ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its metabolic abnormalities in humans.

Studyn = 25Nutrition

Single arm experimental study assessing the effect of 25g/day of milled chia in 25 patients with NAFLD. Chia supplementation increased plasma ALA concentration and dietary fiber consumption, decreased visceral abdominal fat, body weight, total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and circulating FFA. NAFLD regressed in 52% of patients.

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2023·Scientific Reports·Shimaa A. Sadek, Mohamed Marzouk, Hanan R. H. Mohamed, et al

Chia seeds and coenzyme Q10 alleviate iron overload induced hepatorenal toxicity in mice via iron chelation and oxidative stress modulation

Animal studyn = 49Inflammation Longevity

The study evaluated the efficacy of Chia seeds and CoQ_10 in alleviating iron overload-induced hepatorenal toxicity in mice. The combination treatment showed significant improvement in oxidative stress parameters and tissue architecture, suggesting enhanced hepatorenal protection compared to monotherapy.

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2019·Food research international·Bárbara Pereira da Silva, R. Toledo, Mariana Grancieri, et al

Effects of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) on calcium bioavailability and inflammation in Wistar rats.

Animal studyInflammation Joint Bone Health

The study evaluated the effect of chia on calcium bioavailability, inflammation, and oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed a high-fat or standard diet for 35 days. Chia consumption resulted in lower calcium absorption and retention, lower urinary calcium concentration, and reduced bone resistance. However, chia improved inflammation markers and lipid profiles, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity.

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