ABSTRACT
Palm oil is one of the most widely employed cooking oils in Nigeria today. This study compares the effects of long term consumption of the two forms of palm oil – fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermally oxidized palm oil (TPO) on serum electrolytes, creatinine and urea, which gives vital information on the state of the renal system. Eighteen male New Zealand rabbits weighing 750 – 1000 g were used for this study. They animals were randomly assigned one of three groups (n = 6) thus; control group, FPO fed group and TPO fed group. The control group received animal feed and clean water only. Fresh palm oil group received animal feed mixed with fresh palm oil in the ratio 85:15g respectively, TPO fed group received animal feed mixed with thermoxidised palm oil in the ratio 85:15g respectively. The feeding lasted for 6 months. Food intake, water intake and body weight were measured daily. At the end of the feeding period, the animals were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and blood was collected for assessment of serum electrolytes, creatinine and urea. Results obtained showed that serum concentration of sodium was significantly (p<0.001) lower in FPO fed group, compared with control, but significantly (p<0.05) higher in TPO fed group, compared with control. Serum concentration of sodium was also significantly (p<0.001) higher in TPO fed group, compared with FPO fed group. Serum concentration of chloride was significantly lower in FPO fed group compared with control (p<0.05) and TPO fed group (p<0.001). Bicarbonate concentration was significantly (p<0.05) lower in FPO fed group, compared with control. Creatinine concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) in TPO fed group, compared with control and FPO fed group. The observed changes in serum electrolyte and creatinine concentrations following 6 months of feeding was more in TPO fed group than FPO fed group, and is possibly detrimental to electrolyte balance.