Abstract | BACKGROUND: Recently, insoluble fibre from carob pulp has been found to affect blood lipids in animals in a similar manner as soluble dietary fibre. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate whether a carob pulp preparation containing high amounts of insoluble fibre has a beneficial effect on serum cholesterol in humans. METHODS: Volunteers (n = 58) with hypercholesterolemia were recruited to participate in a randomised, double- blind, placebo-controlled and parallel arm clinical study with a 6 week intervention phase. All participants consumed daily both, bread (two servings) and a fruitbar (one serving) either with (n = 29) or without (n = 29) a total amount of 15 g/d of a carob pulp preparation ( carob fibre). Serum concentrations of total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed at baseline and after week 4 and 6. RESULTS: The consumption of carob fibre reduced LDL cholesterol by 10.5 +/- 2.2% (p = 0.010). The LDL: HDL cholesterol ratio was marginally decreased by 7.9 +/- 2.2 % in the carob fibre group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.058). Carob fibre consumption also lowered triglycerides in females by 11.3 +/- 4.5% (p = 0.030). Lipid lowering effects were more pronounced in females than in males. CONCLUSION: Daily consumption of food products enriched with carob fibre shows beneficial effects on human blood lipid profile and may be effective in prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
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Authors | H J F Zunft, W Lüder, A Harde, B Haber, H J Graubaum, C Koebnick, J Grünwald |
Journal | European journal of nutrition
(Eur J Nutr)
Vol. 42
Issue 5
Pg. 235-42
(Oct 2003)
ISSN: 1436-6207 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 14569404
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Anticholesteremic Agents
- Apolipoproteins
- Cholesterol, LDL
- Dietary Fiber
- Galactans
- Mannans
- Plant Extracts
- Plant Gums
- Polysaccharides
- Triglycerides
- Cholesterol
- locust bean gum
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Analysis of Variance
- Anticholesteremic Agents
(pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Apolipoproteins
(blood)
- Cholesterol
(blood)
- Cholesterol, LDL
(blood)
- Dietary Fiber
(administration & dosage)
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Food, Fortified
- Galactans
- Humans
- Hypercholesterolemia
(blood, drug therapy, prevention & control)
- Male
- Mannans
- Middle Aged
- Phytotherapy
(methods)
- Plant Extracts
(pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Plant Gums
- Polysaccharides
(pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Sex Distribution
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
- Triglycerides
(blood)
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