Comparison of the Effect of Amaranth Oil vs. Rapeseed Oil on Selected Atherosclerosis Markers in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Cross-Over Trial

Abstract

It is well known that rapeseed oil improves lipid profile and has antiatherosclerotic properties. Recently, amaranth oil has also become popular due to its potential health benefits. However, the effect of this oil on atherosclerosis markers in humans is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of amaranth and rapeseed oils on selected atherosclerosis-related parameters in overweight and obese subjects. In this randomized cross-over study, 44 subjects were instructed to consume 20 mL of amaranth oil and rapeseed oil during two consecutive three-week intervention periods separated by a washout period of the same duration as the intervention. The outcome variables included changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, adiponectin, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, apolipoproteins (Apo) A1, B and E as well as glucose and insulin homeostasis markers. Compared to rapeseed oil, amaranth oil had a slight positive effect on adiponectin levels (mean (95% confidence interval): 0.55 (0.22–0.89) vs. -0.29 (−0.75–0.16), p = 0.0002) but negatively affected ApoB concentrations (0.05 (−0.01–0.11) vs. 0.03 (−0.07–0.00), p = 0.0004) and ApoB/A1 ratio (0.01 (−0.03–0.05) vs. −0.02 (−0.04–0.00), p = 0.0113). No differences between the other analyzed parameters were observed. In conclusion, amaranth oil does not have a greater beneficial effect on atherosclerosis markers than rapeseed oil. However, further studies with a longer intervention period are needed. The study was retrospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register within the number: DRKS00014046, date of registration: 3 May 2018.

The Dual Nature of Amaranth—Functional Food and Potential Medicine

“…Amaranth contains saturated fatty acids (palmitic (~13%), stearic (~2.6%), arachidic (~0.7%), and myristic (~0.1%) in small amounts [ 5 ]. Among the lipid fraction of amaranth, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and sterols play an important biological role [ 12 ]. Squalene has been identified in the seeds and leaves of the plant, and they are also very rich in vitamins (especially the B group) and minerals [ 8 ].…”

“…The nutritional value of the fortified cookies (with amaranth flour) was found to be higher than that of traditional wheat flour cookies [ 17 ]. Oil pressed from amaranth seed is also very popular [ 12 ]. Amaranth oil is well known as a functional food [ 7 ].…”

Extraction, Isolation of Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Potential of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

“…Malgorzata Jamka et al conducted a clinical trial to study the effect of amaranth and rapeseed oil on people suffering from overweight and obesity [98]. Exclusion criteria included a chronic systemic or gastrointestinal disease in anamnesis, liver disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, drugs that affect fat digestion or absorption, pregnancy and lactation.…”