Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Lam leaf and seed flour during the pregnancy and lactation period of Wistar rats: Maternal evaluation of initial and adult neurobehavioral development of the rat progeny.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) is a tree species of Indian origin popularly known as the "tree of life". In various cultures, it is used by pregnant women to increase milk production, yet studies on its effects during pregnancy and lactation are lacking. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the nutraceutical aspects of flours produced from the leaves and seeds of M. oleifera, and to evaluate the effect of supplementation of pregnant Wistar rats during the gestation and lactation period, with the aim of studying the weight gain and neonatal parameters of the pregnant rats, as well as effects on the neurobehavioral development and memory in their offspring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The flour supplementation was conducted at a concentration of 100 mg per kg of animal body weight. For the memory tests, the Open Field Habituation test was performed and repeated after seven days. The Object Recognition test was conducted with the animal exposed to the open field in short and long familiarization sessions. The data obtained were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis tests for non-parametric data and one-way and two-way ANOVA for parametric data. RESULTS: Flour produced from both the leaf and seed of M. oleifera was found to contain significant amounts of nutrients (protein, fibre, carbohydrates, etc.), making them suitable for supplementation. The exposure of pregnant rats to M. oleifera leaf and seed flours did not affect weight gain, did not have harmful effects on the birth of offspring, and did not result in abortions or mutations in the offspring. Regarding the supplemented group's offspring, early maturation of the senses in the offspring compared to the control group was observed in all tests were conducted; indicating that supplementation positively impacted cognitive development. Further, the offspring of the supplemented rats presented reduced locomotion and greater exploration of new objects compared to the control group offspring, indicating positive effects on learning. CONCLUSION: This study describes for the first time the beneficial effects on pregnant Wistar rats and their offspring of maternal supplementation with flour products from the leaves and seeds of M. oleifera.

Cactus flour (Opuntia ficus-indica) reduces brain lipid peroxidation and anxious-like behavior in old Wistar rats.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of cactus flour on the anxious-like behavior and cerebral lipid peroxidation in elderly rats (18 months of life). The rats were divided into four groups (n=10). control (CG) - received the AIN-93M ration. P5%. P10% and P15%. treated with the AIN-93M ration with the addition of 5, 10 and 15% of cactus flour respectively. In the elevated plus maze (EPM) groups P5%, P10% and P15% remained longer in the open arms. P15% remained longer in this region and less time in the closed arms. No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the time the rats remained in the center of the apparatus. P5%. P10% and P15% performed a greater number of head dips. Regarding the open field animals P5%. P10% and P15% performed a greater number of rearing and stayed for a longer time in the center of the apparatus with P15% being the group that remained for the longest time when compared to the other groups. There was no difference in locomotion and grooming. As for the light-dark box. P15% spent more time in the light part. less time in the dark part and performed a smaller number of transitions. P5%. P10% and P15% had the lowest concentrations of brain lipid peroxidation. Our data demonstrated that consumption of cactus flour by rats promoted anxiolytic effects and minimized brain lipid peroxidation in aging. Given the above, it can be deduced that cactus pear can contribute to the prevention and/or treatment of anxiety in the aging phase.Due to its concentrations of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, soluble fibers and antioxidant contents such as vitamin E and selenium.

Consumption of cashew nut induced anxiolytic-like behavior in dyslipidemic rats consuming a high fat diet.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cashew nut consumption on anxiety-like behavior in dyslipidemic rats. The groups formed were: Control (CONT), Dyslipidemic (DL) and Dyslipidemic cashew nuts (DLCN). Tests to assess anxiety parameters were performed after the treatment period. Brain fatty acid profiles were analyzed. The animals in the DLCN group showed more rearing than DL, without differing from the CONT and less grooming than either the DL and CONT in the Open Field. In the Elevated Plus Maze, DLCN spent more time on the open arms and in the central area compared to the other groups. As for brain fatty acids, there was a reduction in polyunsaturated fatty acids for the DLCN compared to the other groups. The cashew nut, rich in fatty acids, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, reduced the anxiogenic-like behavior caused by dyslipidemia in rats without altering brain fatty acids.

Mix of almond baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) and goat whey modulated intestinal microbiota, improved memory and induced anxiolytic like behavior in aged rats.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of the consumption of a mix of baru almond and goat whey on memory performance and anxiety parameters related to the intestinal health of rats treated during aging. The animals were divided into three groups and treated by gavage for 10 weeks (n = 10/each group): Control (CT) - distilled water; Baru almond (BA) - 2000 mg of baru/kg of body weight; and Baru + Whey (BW) - 2000 mg of baru + 2000 mg of goat milk whey/kg of body weight. Anxiety behavior, memory, brain fatty acid profile and fecal microbiota were measured. BA and BW realized less grooming, spent more time in the central area of the open field and the open arms, and realized more head dipping in the elevated plus maze. A higher rate of exploration of the new object in the short and long-term memory was observed in BA and BW. There was an increase in the deposition of MUFAs and PUFAs and oleic acid in the brain of BA and BW. Regarding spatial memory, BA and BW performed better, with an emphasis on BW. There was a beneficial modulation of the fecal microbiota with a reduction of the pathogenic genus Clostridia_UFC-014 in BA and BW and an increase in the abundance of metabolic pathways of interest in the brain-gut axis. Thus, consumption of the mix is efficient in beneficially altering the intestinal microbiota, improving memory and anxiolytic-like behavior in rats during aging.

Repeated donkey milk consumption reduces anxiety-like behaviors and brain oxidative damage to lipids in mice.

Donkey milk (DM) is a source of bioactive compounds that can benefit neural functioning. In the present study, we investigated the effects of DM consumption on anxiolytic-related, despair-like, locomotion and coordination behaviors, as well as the provision of protection from oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in brain tissues and melatonin plasma levels. To achieve this, male mice orally received DM (4 g.kg-1) or vehicle for 18 days. Their behavior was assessed in the following tests: elevated plus maze (EPM), open field and rotarod tests (OF, RR) and forced swimming test (FST). Acute treatments with diazepam (DZP, 1.5 mg.kg-1, v.o.), fluoxetine (FLX, 20 mg.kg-1, i.p.) and nortriptyline (NTP, 20 mg.kg-1, i.p.) were used as positive controls. On the eighteenth day, the animals were euthanized and brain tissue and blood were collected to measure oxidative damage, and melatonin plasma levels. Similar to DZP, repeated DM consumption reduced exploration to open areas in the EPM test. Under our experimental conditions, conventional antidepressants reduced immobility time in the FST, and the benzodiazepine treatment impaired motor coordination in mice. No significant differences in locomotion, motor coordination and despair-related behaviors were observed in the mice treated with DM when assessed in the EPM, OF, RR and FST, respectively. Biochemical assays showed that repeated DM exposition protected against oxidative damage to lipids and increased plasma levels of melatonin. These findings suggest consumption of DM may be a promising food for the treatment of anxiety-related disorders, without depressant effects on the central nervous system.

Maternal safflower oil consumption improve reflex maturation, memory and reduces hippocampal oxidative stress in the offspring rats treated during pregnancy and lactation.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the influence of maternal consumption of safflower oil on reflex maturation, memory and offspring hippocampal oxidative stress. METHODOLOGY: Two groups were formed: control group (C), whose mothers received a standard diet, and Safflower group (SF), whose mothers received a normolipidic diet with safflower oil as lipid source. Treatment was given from the 14th day of gestation and throughout lactation. To evaluate newborn development, the reflex ontogeny indicators between the 1st and the 21st days of life were evaluated; to assess memory, from the 42nd day of life on these animals were examined on open field habituation and novel object recognition test. Following behavioral analysis, the animals were anesthetized and decapitated. Hippocampus was rapidly dissected. In the hippocampal tissues, we evaluated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH). RESULTS: SF offspring showed delayed maturation of reflexes and improvement of novel object recognition in short-term and long-term (p < 0.05). Safflower oil decreases lipid peroxidation evaluated by MDA levels (p < 0.001) and increases antioxidant defenses as shown by SOD, CAT, GST and GSH levels (p < 0.05). In our study, the composition of flavonoids present in the oil was not evaluated. Furthermore, in a future study, the effect of maternal consumption on female offspring should be verified. CONCLUSION: Maternal intake of safflower oil could: (1) change neonate reflex parameters, (2) promote improvement of cognitive development in adolescence (3) improve antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic defenses in the hippocampus.

Ruminant fat intake improves gut microbiota, serum inflammatory parameter and fatty acid profile in tissues of Wistar rats.

This study tested the hypothesis that naturally and industrially produced trans-fatty acids can exert distinct effects on metabolic parameters and on gut microbiota of rats. Wistar rats were randomized into three groups according to the diet: CONT-control, with 5% soybean oil and normal amount of fat; HVF-20% of hydrogenated vegetable fat (industrial); and RUM-20% of ruminant fat (natural). After 53 days of treatment, serum biochemical markers, fatty acid composition of liver, heart and adipose tissue, histology and hepatic oxidative parameters, as well as gut microbiota composition were evaluated. HVF diet intake reduced triglycerides (≈ 39.39%) and VLDL levels (≈ 39.49%). Trans-fatty acids levels in all tissue were higher in HVF group. However, RUM diet intake elevated amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (≈ 14.7%) compared to CONT, but not to HVF. Furthermore, RUM intake led to higher concentrations of stearic acid and conjugated linoleic acid in all tissue; this particular diet was associated with a hepatoprotective effect. The microbial gut communities were significantly different among the groups. Our results show that ruminant fat reversed the hepatic steatosis normally caused by high fat diets, which may be related to the remodelling of the gut microbiota and its anti-inflammatory potential.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of macaíba palm seed kernel (Acrocomia intumescens drude) on anxiolytic activity, memory preservation and oxidative stress in the brain of dyslipidemic rats.

Macaíba palm seed kernel is a source of lipids and phenolic compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of macaíba palm seed kernel on anxiety, memory, and oxidative stress in the brain of health and dyslipidemic rats. Forty rats were used, divided into 4 groups (n = 10 each): control (CONT), dyslipidemic (DG), kernel (KG), and Dyslipidemic kernel (DKG). Dyslipidemia was induced using a high fat emulsion for 14 days before treatment. KG and DKG received 1000 mg/kg of macaíba palm seed kernel per gavage for 28 days. After treatment, anxiety tests were carried out using the Open Field Test (OFT), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and the Object Recognition Test (ORT) to assess memory. In the animals' brain tissue, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (GSH) were quantified to determine oxidative stress. The data were treated with Two Way ANOVA followed by Tukey (p <0.05). Results demonstrated that the animals treated with kernel realized more rearing. DG and KG groomed less compared with CONT and DKG compared with all groups in OFT. KG spent more time in aversive open arms compared with CONT and DKG compared with all groups in EPM. Only DKG spent more time in the central area in EMP. KG and DKG showed a reduction in the exploration rate and MDA values (p <0.05). Data showed that macaíba palm seed kernel consumption induced anxiolytic-like behaviour and decreased lipids peroxidation in rats' brains. On the other hand, this consumption by healthy and dyslipidemic animals compromises memory.

Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Memory and Reflex Maturation in Rats Treated During Early Life.

In the critical period of neurodevelopment (gestation and lactation), maternal consumption of essential fatty acids (FAs) can alter the offspring cognitive function permanently causing damage. Lipids can regulate neurotrophin and compose brain tissue. However, the effects of maternal consumption of a mixture of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on an offspring nervous system are not completely clear. We aimed to investigate the impacts of different CLA concentrations mixed into the maternal diet during early life on neonatal reflex maturation and cognitive functions of the offspring. Three groups were formed: control (CG): receiving a standard diet; CLA1: receiving a diet containing 1% of CLA, and CLA3: receiving a diet containing 3% of CLA, offered during gestation and lactation. After birth, the reflex responses of the offspring were observed from the 1st to the 21st day. After weaning, the animals' anxiety and memory were assessed using open field (OF) and novel object recognition tests. Fatty acids in the breast milk and the offspring's brain were also quantified. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. CLA1 presented accelerated palmar grasp disappearance versus CLA3 and negative-geotaxis versus CG; and the CLA3 presented increases for most reflexes (cliff-avoidance, vibrissa-placing, negative-geotaxis, and auditory-startle response), and decrease in reflexes palmar grasp and free-fall righting versus CG (p < 0.05). CLA3 group explored less of the OF in the second exposure. CLA1 and CLA3 presented an increased exploration ratio for new objects, which indicates memory improvement. The milk tested from CLA3 demonstrated an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and a decrease in monounsaturated fatty acids. The amount of CLA in milk was greater in CLA1 and CLA3 and in the brain offspring both presented moderated amounts of CLA. Maternal treatment with the CLA mixture induced anticipated reflex maturation and improved memory in the offspring. Even though CLA was detected in the brains in only trace amounts, offspring's brain PUFA and SFA levels were increased. Further studies aimed to delineate the effect of maternal CLA supplementation on offspring's brain lipid metabolism and long-term neurologic outcome are needed to confirm these findings.

Maternal Supplementation With Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Pulp and Oil Alters Reflex Maturation, Physical Development, and Offspring Memory in Rats.

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is an oleaginous fruit source of fatty acids with high levels of neuroprotective phytocomplexes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of reflex and somatic maturation, fatty acid profiles in the brain, and memory in different stages of life in the offspring of dams supplemented with avocado pulp and oil during gestation and lactation. The dams were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15 pups/group), and recieved by gavage supplementation: control group (CG)-distilled water; Avocado Oil (AO)-3,000 mg avocado oil/kg animal weight, and Avocado Pulp (AP)-3,000 mg avocado pulp/kg animal weight. We performed the following tests: Analysis of Somatic Development and Ontogeny of Postnatal Reflex (T0 to T21), the Open Field Habituation Test and the Object Recognition Test (ORT) in the adolescent (T45) and adult (T90) phases. The cerebral fatty acids content was evaluated at times T0, T21, T45, and T90. The results were analyzed using the statistical program GraphPad Prism and significant statistics were considered when p < 0.05. Acceleration of reflex maturation and reflex ontogeny was observed in the offspring of AO and AP fed dams, with the results being more pronounced in the pulp fed group (p < 0.05). All groups presented a decrease in the ambulation parameter in the second exposure to the Open Field Habituation Test, at T45 and T90 (p < 0.05). In the ORT, the AO and AP offspring presented memory improvements in the short and long term in the adult and adolescent phases (p < 0.05). The results of the brain fatty acid profiles presented higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content in the AO and AP groups at T21, T45, and T90. The docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) content was higher at T21 (AO and AP), at T45 (AO and AP), and at T90 (AP) (p < 0.05). The arachidonic acid (ARA) content was higher at T45 (AO and AP), and at T90 (AO) (p < 0.05). Maternal supplementation with avocado oil and pulp anticipates reflex maturation and somatic postnatal development, and improves memory during the adolescent and adult phases.

Maternal suppplementation with conjugated linoleic acid reduce anxiety and lipid peroxidation in the offspring brain.

BACKGROUND: Maternal consumption of fatty acids can alter neuronal membrane function, synaptic connections, and protect the brain from alterations caused by disturbances such as lipid peroxidation and anxiety in the offspring. We aimed to investigate how the maternal consumption of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) interferes in anxiety behavior of the offspring and cerebral lipid peroxidation. METHODS: Three groups were formed: control (CG) - diet without CLA; CLA1 - diet containing 1% of CLA; and CLA3 - diet containing 3% of CLA. These diets were offered to the mothers from the 7th day of gestation until the end of lactation. The following behavioral tests were used: Elevated plus maze (EPM), Open Field (OF) and Light-dark Box (LDB). Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione were measured in the offspring's brains. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Holm-Sidak post-test or the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: CLA1 and CLA3 showed higher number of entries in the open arms and time spent in the central area in EPM, they translocated and ambulated more in the clear area of the LDB and presented more rearing in the OF compared to CG (p < 0.05); moreover, they presented higher concentration of glutathione and lower MDA in brain tissue (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: We evaluated the effect of maternal consumption of CLA on anxiety and lipid peroxidation in rats' offspring, but a similar study should be performed in humans. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal intake of CLA induced a decrease in the parameters of anxiety and cerebral lipid peroxidation in the offspring.

Maternal intake of cashew nuts accelerates reflex maturation and facilitates memory in the offspring.

Essential fatty acids, being indispensable during the stages of pregnancy, lactation and infancy influence the transmission of nerve impulses and brain function, and cashew nuts are a good source of these fatty acids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of cashew nut consumption on reflex development, memory and profile of fatty acids of rat offspring treated during pregnancy and lactation. The animals were divided into three groups: Control (CONT), treated with 7% lipid derived from soybean oil; Normolipidic (NL) treated with 7% lipids derived from cashew nuts; and Hyperlipidic (HL) treated with 20% lipids derived from cashew nuts. Reflex ontogeny, Open-field habituation test and the Object Recognition Test (ORT) were assessed. The profile of fatty acids in the brain was carried out when the animals were zero, 21 and 60days old. Accelerated reflex maturation was observed in animals treated with cashew nuts (p<0.05). NL presented better memory in the Open-field habituation test; the NL and HL showed improvement of short-term memory in the ORT, but long term damage in HL (p<0.05). The results of the lipid profile of the brain at the end of the experiment showed an increase in levels of saturated fatty acids and less Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in animals of the HL. The data showed that maternal consumption of cashew nuts can accelerate reflex maturation and facilitate memory in offspring when offered in adequate quantities.

Intake of cookies made with buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) improves vitamin A status and lipid profiles in young rats.

The oil extracted from Mauritia flexuosa (buriti) is rich in vitamin A, tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids. This study evaluated the retinol status, blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, food efficiency rates (FERs), food conversion rates (FCRs) and murine anthropometric parameters of Wistar rats fed cookies made with buriti oil (BOC). The content of ß-carotene and monounsaturated fatty acids in the cookies was enhanced (p < 0.05) using buriti oil. Rats fed BOC showed an increase (p < 0.05) in serum and hepatic retinol levels compared to rats fed cookies made with soy oil (SOC - control). Rats fed BOC showed lower (p < 0.05) total and LDL cholesterol than the control; however, no changes in blood glucose levels or murine anthropometric parameters were observed. Serum retinol contents showed a strong correlation (r > 0.8) with hepatic retinol, and both groups of rats showed moderate correlations (r > 0.6 < 0.5) with FERs, FCRs and weight gain. Taken together, these results indicated that buriti is an alternative to increase vitamin A in baked goods, particularly in cookies. Intake of BOC improves lipid profiles and retinol status without affecting blood glucose in young rats.

Effects of Dietary Brazilian Palm Oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) on Cholesterol Profile and Vitamin A and E Status of Rats.

In vitro studies have been carried out to establish the nutritional differences between crude and refined vegetable oils; however, the impact of the consumption of these foods on metabolism, in particular the effect of buriti oil, needs to be further evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and murine parameters and the vitamin A and E status in young rats fed with diets supplemented with crude or refined buriti oil. The animals (n = 30) were randomized into three groups receiving diet added of soybean oil (control), crude buriti oil (CBO) and refined buriti oil (RBO) for 28 days. Rats fed with diet added of refined buriti oil (RBO) showed reduced total cholesterol (up to 60.27%), LDL (64.75%), triglycerides (55.47%) and enzyme aspartate transaminase (21.57%) compared to those fed with diet added of crude oil. Serum and hepatic retinol and tocopherol were higher by two to three times in CBO and RBO groups compared to the control group, but no differences were observed for murine parameters. The results indicate that buriti oil is an important source of the antioxidant vitamins A and E, and refined buriti oil is suggested as alternative to improve the lipid profile of healthy rats.

Acceleration of reflex maturation and physical development in suckling rats: effects of a maternal diet containing lipids from goat milk.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of lipids from goat milk containing conjugated linoleic acids on body weight and reflex ontogeny of neonatal rats treated during the prenatal and suckling periods. METHODS: Three groups were studied: soybean oil (S), coconut oil (C), and goat milk lipids (GM). Reflex maturation (palm grasp, righting reflex, cliff avoidance, vibrissae placing, negative geotaxis, auditory startle, and free-fall righting) as well as body weight evolution were recorded during lactation. RESULTS: Data demonstrated that the lipids from goat milk accelerated body weight evolution as well as all the reflex maturation investigated (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The supply of goat's milk offered to Wistar rats during pregnancy and lactation provided a variety of fatty acids necessary to accelerate the development of offspring.

Prática de natação, consumo de aguardente e restrição alimentar em ratos adolescentes: consequências nutricionais e metabólicas / Swimming practice, alcohol consumption and food restriction in adolescent rats: nutritional and metabolic consequences

O uso de bebidas alcoólicas vem aumentando entre adolescentes, o que pode causar maior risco de dependência e de repercussões adversas à saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as repercussões do consumo de solução hidroalcoólica a 60% (aguardente) sobre parâmetros nutricionais e bioquímicos, em ratos adolescentes submetidos ou não a restrição alimentar e/ou natação. Oitenta ratos foram divididos em 8 grupos de 10 animais cada: Controle; Ativo; Hidroalcoólico; Hidroalcoólico ativo; Restrito; Restrito ativo; Restrito hidroalcoólico; Restrito hidroalcoólico e ativo. Os restritos receberam restrição alimentar de 30% e água e/ou solução hidroalcoólica ad libitum. A intervenção teve duração de 14 dias. Observou-se ganho de massa corporal, consumo de alimentos e líquidos, massa do fígado e frações lipídicas. Adotou-se significância de 0,05 e testes paramétricos e não paramétricos, conforme normalidade e variância. O consumo de etanol e a natação aumentaram a ingestão de alimentos, independente de restrição alimentar. A ingestão de aguardente elevou o peso corporal, no final do período apenas no grupo ad libitum (p<0,001) e a perda de peso corporal dos animais restritos foi reduzida ao longo do tempo, independente do uso de bebida alcoólica (p<0,001). No início do experimento, animais ativos ou restritos, reduziram o consumo de aguardente, mas, quando essas duas variáveis atuaram concomitantemente, a ingestão se elevou (p<0,05). O peso do fígado não se alterou, mas alguns parâmetros lipêmicos foram modificados. Os valores séricos de HDL-c foram reduzidos e o índice de Castelli I elevado pelo exercício e consumo de etanol. A restrição, a ingestão de aguardente e o exercício reduziram a VLDL e os TGs, mas, quando a restrição esteve associada à atividade ou ao etanol mais atividade, os valores de VLDL-c e TG aumentaram. Pode-se inferir que ocorre uma sinergia entre restrição, etanol e/ou exercício, o que poderá acarretar efeitos deletérios à saúde.

The use of alcoholic intake is increasing among adolescents, which could increase the risk of dependence and adverse health effects. Evaluate the impact hydroalcoholic solution consumption (60%) on nutritional and biochemical parameters in adolescent rats. They were submitted or not a food restriction and swimming. Eighty rats were divided into eight groups of 10 animals each: Control; Active; Hydroalcoholic; Hydroalcoholic active; Restricted; Restricted active; Restricted hydroalcoholic, Hydroalcoholic restricted and active. The restricted group received 30% of food restriction and water or Hydroalcoholic solution ad libitum. The rats swam 60 min/day, 5 days per week during 14 days. Body weight gain, food intake and net weight of the liver and lipid levels were registered. The 0.05 level of significance of probability was used as a statistical significance.. Data were analyzed statistically using parametric and nonparametric tests, as normality and variance. Ethanol consumption and swimming increased food intake, independent of food restriction. The intake of sugar can spirits increased body weight at the end of the period only in ad libitum (p <0.001). Body weight loss of restricted animals was reduced over time, regardless of the use of alcohol (p <0.001). At the beginning of the experiment, animals or restricted assets, reduced consumption of hydroalcoholic solution, but when these two variables acted accordingly, the intake rose (P <0.05). Liver weight did not change, but some lipid parameters were modified. Serum HDL-C was reduced and Castelli’s rate was elevated by exercise and ethanol consumption. Food restriction, ethanol intake and exercise reduced VLDL and TG plasma levels. By the other hand, when the restriction was associated with activity or ethanol and activity, the values of VLDL-C and TG increased. This way, we may conclude that there is a synergy between restriction, ethanol and / or exercise, causing deleterious health effects.