Protein-rich microalgae have been increasingly recognized as viable alternatives to fish meal (FM) in aquaculture diets. In this study, we evaluated the effects of partial or total replacement of FM with the microalga Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina, SM) on the growth performance, reproductive parameters, and transcriptomic profile of zebrafish. Six isoproteic, isoenergetic experimental diets were formulated with increasing levels of SM (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g kg⁻¹ feed) replacing FM. Fish were randomly assigned to six groups (five replicates each) and fed for 60 days. The diet containing 50 g kg⁻¹ SM resulted in the highest final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency, as well as increased gonadosomatic index, eggs per female, fertilization rate, and hatching rate compared to the results for the control group (0 g kg⁻¹ SM). RNA-Seq transcriptomic analysis identified 2299 differentially expressed genes in the SM50 group, mainly associated with muscle development and energy metabolism. These findings offer new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms and underscore the potential of Spirulina as a sustainable alternative for cultured fish nutrition.

Chia seeds are a promising food for society and the scientific community because they contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid omega-3, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic effects of chia oil in experimental models which have already been described in the literature. Twenty-two preclinical studies were selected, mostly with rats. The results showed that there is still no consensus on what oil dosage is ideal for generating health benefits, with the doses ranging from 0.1g/mL to 111.1g/mL and supplementation time of 1 to 33 weeks. The studies reported increased liver omega-3 contents, an improved lipid profile, increased HDL-c, and decreased total cholesterol levels. Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and improved antioxidant status. It is concluded that chia oil has shown beneficial metabolic effects in organisms in preclinical studies, acting on glycemic homeostasis, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers.

Previous studies have supported the association between intake of phenolic compounds and improvement of obesity parameters. However, most of them are in vitro studies and/or with isolated compounds. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of an approach using enriched phenolic compounds low-cost protein bars on anthropometric, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters of subjects with obesity. This was a controlled intervention study with a parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind design. Participants were allocated into two groups, control (n = 9) and treatment (n = 12). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the 30-day intervention. No significant changes in the outcomes evaluated were noted between groups. The trial showed acceptable retention rates and adherence to protocol. These results may be useful in the design and implementation of long-term, large-scale studies, contributing to the existing evidence on the beneficial impact of diets with food sources of bioactive compounds on health outcomes.