Effects of Zamzam water on glycemic status, lipid profile, oxidant-antioxidant balance, and body composition in rats

Abstract Objectives Previous studies have demonstrated that Zamzam water exerts beneficial effects on several ailments such as diabetes mellitus, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and stress. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Zamzam water on glycemic status, lipid profile, oxidant-antioxidant balance, and body composition in healthy rats. Methods Twenty-four rats were divided into two equal groups. Rats were fed a chow diet along with either tap or Zamzam water as the only fluid source. After ten weeks, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance, low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation were measured. Adipose pads and carcass (musculoskeletal only) were weighed and residual body weight was calculated. The groups were compared using independent sample t test (unpaired). Results The following parameters were significantly reduced in the Zamzam water group compared to the tap water group: fasting blood sugar, 96.5 vs. 147.1 mg/dl (p = 0.00); serum insulin, 0.44 vs. 1.31 μU/l (p = 0.00); and insulin resistance, 1.89 vs. 8.40 (p = 0.00). LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation, weight of the body, fat pads, and carcass, as well as residual body weight (both absolute and relative) showed no significant changes. Conclusion Zamzam water intake for ten weeks decreases fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, and insulin resistance. However, Zamzam water has no effect on lipid profile, oxidant-antioxidant balance, and body composition.