Ekong, M. O., *Anashie, M. A., Ekpenyong, G. A., Nnaji, G. C., Asuquo, J. O., and Archibong, E. A.
Department of Microbiology, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: mildredanashie310@gmail.com; 08143509138
Abstract:
Background: The global demand for fruits and vegetables consumed as smoothies is increasing, driven by a growing population and heightened awareness of their health benefits. However, the nutritional significance and health effects of smoothies remain underexplored. Chemotherapeutic agents are widely used in managing various illnesses but are associated with the dysregulation and destruction of healthy cells, raising concerns in clinical settings. This study aimed to assess the potential of smoothie formulations in regulating serum electrolytes, haematological indices, and faecal bacteriology in an experimental animal model.
Methodology: Thirty female Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each, using a permuted-block randomized design, with the 5th group serving as the positive control. Smoothie formulations of banana/watermelon (BNWM), watermelon/cucumber (WMCC), pineapple/orange (PPOR), and banana/cucumber (BNCC) were prepared at 10g/100ml concentrations. The smoothies were administered to the rats orally at 1ml/kg body weight daily for 30 days, while the control group received no smoothie formulations. Faecal count and bacterial identity were carried out twice during the experiment using standard bacteriological techniques. Serum electrolytes and haematological indices were determined by standard methods on blood samples collected through cardiac puncture from anaesthetized rats on day 30 of the experiment. Experimental data were expressed as mean±SEM and percentages. Comparisons between groups were performed using Student’s t-test and ANOVA. Significance difference was defined at p<0.05.
Results: Residual feed intake (RFI) values ranged from 33.8±5.09 to 36.9±3.66, with groups 3–5 rats showing progressive weekly increases while groups 1 and 2 rats fluctuated. Residual water intake (RWI) was highest in the control group (80.8±22.66ml) compared to smoothie-fed groups (59.2–67.8ml). Body weight reductions occurred across all groups but were not statistically significant (p=0.1507). Faecal bacteriology showed variable trends, with group 2 rats exhibiting a marked increase, group 3 rats with slight decrease, and group 1 rats having no detectable growth at the second sampling. Overall, Gram-negative isolates (51.2%) were slightly more frequent than Gram-positive (48.8%), with Vibrio spp (19.5%), Staphylococcus spp (17.1%), and Bacillus spp (14.6%) being most common. Electrolytes remained within normal ranges, although bicarbonate was lower in smoothie-fed rats (18.7–22.7mEq/L) compared to control (24.3mEq/L). Hematological indices showed significantly elevated white blood cells, lymphocytes, mean corpuscular volume, and platelets in smoothie-fed groups relative to the control, while haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration showed non-significant variations.
Conclusion: This in vivo animal experimental findings suggest that smoothie formulations have potential in promoting weight management, maintaining electrolyte balance, enhancing haematological parameters, and reducing the pathogenic impact of gut microbiota without inducing symptoms. Further research is recommended to explore the incorporation of smoothies as dietary supplements, particularly for health conditions requiring electrolyte normalization and immune support, offering a safer alternative to synthetic therapies.
Keywords: Albino rats, faecal bacteriology, smoothie formulations, electrolytes, haematological indices
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