Supplementation with refined Brazil nut oil (Bertholletia excelsa) during pregnancy and lactation improves physical, biochemical and hepatic parameters in rat offspring.

This study evaluated the impact of maternal consumption of crude and refined Brazil nut oil on the physical, biochemical, and hepatic parameters of offspring in both male and female rats. Three maternal groups were formed: control (CG), crude oil (CO), and refined oil (RO), treated with 3,000 mg/kg of oil during gestation and lactation. The offspring were divided into male and female groups. Crude Brazil nut oil consumption resulted in increased body weight, total and mesenteric fat, as well as elevated coronary and cardiovascular risk indices. Conversely, the refined oil consumption reduced retroperitoneal fat and lowered the same risk indices. Both oils affected plasma triglycerides and cholesterol levels, with refined oil showing better results in lipid profiles, particularly by increasing HDL. The CO-F group exhibited higher blood glucose, while the RO-F group had lower glucose levels compared to CO-F. Changes in hepatic enzymes were observed, along with higher deposition of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and a reduction in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA) in the liver of the offspring treated with crude oil. Lipid peroxidation was lower in the oil-treated groups compared to the control group. The effects were similar between male and female offspring. It was concluded that refined oil provided superior benefits compared to crude oil, improving biochemical parameters and hepatic health in the offspring.