Efeito do consumo de óleo de coco durante a fase de crescimento sobre o estado de hidratação corporal e a função renal de ratos adultos

Abstract

Coconut oil has been prominent in the market as a functional food, being used in the prevention and treatment of obesity, among other metabolic diseases. The antiobesity properties of coconut oil have been attributed to the content of lauric acid, considered thermogenic, and therefore, contributes to fat loss and body weight and significant reduction of abdominal fat, preventing coronary artery disease. Recently it was observed that rats maintained during the growth phase after weaning with a normolipid diet containing coconut oil showed increased ketonemia, suggesting that this diet induces metabolic acidosis. In this situation, renal compensatory mechanisms are activated to restore acid-base balance. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of coconut oil consumption during the growth phase on the state of body hydration and renal function in adult rats. Wistar rats were weaned in three groups and fed for 60 days with control diet (7% soybean oil) corresponding to Control Group (C), mixed diet (3.5% coconut oil, 3 , 5% of soybean oil) corresponding to the Mixed Group (M) and diet with coconut oil (7% of coconut oil) corresponding to the Coconut Oil Group (OC). The M group had a greater absolute consumption in relation to the OC and C groups. The food consumption relative to 100g of body weight and the coefficient of food efficacy were similar between the groups. There were no differences between the groups regarding body weights and BMI at weaning and at the end of the experimental period, as well as the waist circumference / chest circumference ratio. Body temperature was higher in group M than in group C, but similar to group C. Serum albumin and creatinine concentrations were similar in OC and M groups, and in both groups these variables were higher in comparison to group C. Serum urea, uric acid and hematocrit concentrations did not differ between groups. The fasting ketonemia was higher in the OC group compared to the C group. The M group presented lower fasting ketonemia in comparison to the OC group, but higher in relation to the C group. Water intake, diuresis, fluid loss through feces, urine concentrations of sodium, potassium, urea and ketone bodies, and urinary osmolarity and density did not differ between groups. The urinary pH of the OC group was higher in relation to the M and C groups. Therefore, the results found suggest that the body hydration status and renal function did not change in adult rats maintained with coconut oil-based diet during phase after weaning.