Brazil nuts (BN) (Bertholletia excels, Bonpl.), are of great importance because of their nutritional properties and economic value. They can be consumed in natura or as flour (BNF). In this study, we evaluated the effects of BNF and BN intakes (Both 5% and 15%) on metabolic parameters of rats for 15 days. Serum Selenium (Se) levels were higher in BN‐15% and BNF‐15% groups. Lipid content was reduced in retroperitoneal and epididymal adipose tissues in all groups and in the BN‐5% group in the liver. However, liver lipids increased in the BNF‐15% group. The levels of carbonylated proteins and lipid peroxidation in the liver were not altered. The data reveal that the increase in hepatic lipids in the BNF‐15% group probably occurred due to the high concentration of free fatty acids present in the flour. The Se bioavailability in the diet contributed to the preservation of the liver function in rats. Practical implications The consumption of BN is common in the population. However, changes in eating habits have led to a more frequent consumption of vegetable derivatives, such as drinks and oils. The cake residue generated after processing is still considered of high nutritional value, since it is a source of protein and minerals such as Se. Because of its low cost, the use of pie at the industrial level is becoming increasingly more interesting for the development of new products, and the Brazil nut flour (BNF) is considered a good option. Our study showed that just like BN, BNF can be a source of selenium for the body, although changes in lipid metabolism and physiological parameters can be observed depending on the amount used. We believe that the results of this investigation can be used to guide the development of new technologies and products containing BN.

Background: Studies suggest that vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can cause night blindness or xerophthalmia, hepatic and metabolic changes in the blood. Aim: Therefore, this work aimed to stablish a model of hypovitaminosis A in rats and to evaluate the effects of vitamin A deficiency on metabolic and oxidative parameters in the liver of rats. Methods: Male (n = 19), Wistar, rats (21-day-old) weighing 50g, divided into two experimental groups: Control Group (C), received AIN 93G diet and Vitamin A Deficiency Group (VAD), received AIN 93G vitamin A-free diet for 45 days. In this work, the parameters analyzed were: body mass, food and water intake, biochemical aspects in the blood, lipids and glycogen content, lipid peroxidation, carbonyl proteins and catalase activity in the liver. Results: In the VAD group, final body mass (9%), liver mass (28%), glycemia (14%), Total -cholesterol (17%), HDL -cholesterol (31%) and VLDL -cholesterol (30%) showed reduced ( p < 0.05). The liver lipid (64%) and glyceride-fatty acid (74%) contents were higher in the VAD group. The carbonyl proteins in liver were increased by 171% ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, these results suggest that the absence of vitamin A from the diet was effective in inducing characteristics of hypovitaminosis A in rats. This way, can be used for studies related to glucose and lipid metabolism.