A study of Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Nugget Effects on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy at a Public Hospital in Lahore

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of selenium-enriched tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) nuggets on anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory risk factors in ICM patients in Pakistan.

Methodology: A 12 weeks randomized controlled intervention study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan from May 2025 - July 2025, 120 ICM patients were assigned to either a tuna nugget intervention group (n = 60) or a control group receiving standard dietary care (n = 60). The developed tuna nuggets were high in protein (31.93%), low in fat (1.75%), and enriched with selenium and antioxidants. Anthropometric measures, fasting glucose, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers (hs-CRP) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Mediation analyses evaluated the role of nutrient intake on cardiometabolic outcomes.

Results: The intervention group showed significant im-provements compared to controls: weight (-1.8 kg, P = 0.034), BMI (-0.7 kg/m², P = 0.028), fasting glucose (-6.7 mg/dL, P = 0.012), total cholesterol (-14.1 mg/dL, P = 0.021), LDL-C (-12.9 mg/dL, P = 0.018), HDL-C (+4.6 mg/dL, P = 0.009), triglycerides (-14.1 mg/dL, P = 0.031), and hs-CRP (-0.9 mg/L, P = 0.004). Mediation analyses indicated that protein, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and total antioxidant capacity significantly contributed to these effects, mediating 25–56% of the intervention’s impact. Sensory evaluation confirmed high acceptability of the tuna nuggets.

Conclusions: Selenium-enriched tuna nuggets are a safe, palatable, and nutritionally effective dietary strategy to improve anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory risk factors in ICM patients. Functional food interventions like this offer a practical adjunct to conventional therapy, addressing cardiometabolic risk through targeted nutrient enhancement. Future long-term trials are warranted to evaluate sustained clinical benefits.