Introduction Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a cluster of metabolic disorders associated with obesity and Oxidative Stress (OS). Chia seeds, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, may contribute to the improvement of MS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of combined training with and without chia seed consumption on OS and lipid profile in women with MS.
Methods: In a quasi-experimental design, 26 non-menopausal women aged 40–52 years with MS were assigned to one of two groups: combined training with chia seed supplementation (T+S) or combined training alone (T). The T+S group consumed 20 grams of chia seeds daily. The 8-week training protocol consisted of three weekly sessions of combined training—bodyweight resistance training (RPE 15–17) and aerobic training (60–80% of HRR)—each lasting 70–90 minutes. Fasting blood samples were collected 48 hours before and after the intervention to assess malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lipid profile. Data were analyzed using two-way mixed ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests at a significance level of α < 0.05.
Results: After eight weeks, both groups showed significant reductions in triglycerides (p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.01), and total cholesterol (p < 0.001), with no additional benefit observed from chia seed consumption. However, the T+S group demonstrated a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.03) and TAC (p < 0.001), along with a significant reduction in MDA (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that eight weeks of combined training with chia seed consumption is more effective in improving OS and MS indicators.