Effect of Sunflower Seed Consumption on Blood Cholesterol Levels in Adults

University of Faisalabad

Status: Completed

Conditions: Hypercholesterolemia

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Sunflower Seed Supplementation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07231367

SUNSEED-CHOL

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study evaluates the effect of daily consumption of sunflower seeds on blood cholesterol levels in adult participants. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a specified amount of sunflower seeds for a defined period, and their blood cholesterol and lipid profile were measured before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine whether sunflower seeds can contribute to improving cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol. Adult men and women meeting the eligibility criteria were included in the study. The findings may help inform dietary recommendations for managing cholesterol and promoting heart health.

Full description

This randomized, open-label human trial evaluated the cholesterol-lowering potential of sunflower seeds in adult participants. Eligible men and women were recruited based on inclusion criteria, which included age range, baseline cholesterol levels, and absence of major health conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a defined daily portion of sunflower seeds for a specified intervention period. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention to measure total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and other relevant lipid parameters.

Prior to the human intervention, sunflower seeds were analyzed for their nutritional composition, mineral content, phytochemical profile, and fatty acid composition using standard laboratory procedures. Tests included proximate analysis (moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate content), mineral quantification (calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), phytochemical assays (total phenolics, flavonoids), and fatty acid profiling using gas chromatography. These analyses provided a detailed characterization of the seeds' bioactive components relevant to cardiovascular health.

The study also included assessments of dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, and adherence to the intervention. The primary objective was to determine the effect of sunflower seed consumption on blood cholesterol levels, while secondary objectives included evaluating changes in lipid profile and potential associations with bioactive components of the seeds. Data were analyzed using standard statistical methods. The results aim to provide evidence on the role of sunflower seeds in cardiovascular risk management and to inform dietary recommendations.

Enrollment: 28 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 40 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Participants included males aged between 40 and 50 years, with serum cholesterol levels exceeding 200 mg/dL, and shared the same socioeconomic status.

Exclusion criteria

• The participants were excluded based on different physiological factors, such as active smokers, alcoholics, chronic disease patients, people having extremely low or high BMI, people suffering from psychological disorders or familial hypercholesterolemia, people who belong to a high-income group, and people having doubts or confusion while following instructions

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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28 participants in 2 patient groups

Control

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants continued their usual diet without consuming sunflower seeds. Blood cholesterol and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Diseased Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants consumed a defined daily portion of sunflower seeds for the duration of the study. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the intervention to measure total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and other lipid parameters. Dietary intake and adherence to the intervention were monitored throughout the study period

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Sunflower Seed Supplementation