Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis*

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ABSTRACT

Background

The effects of dietary soluble fibers on blood cholesterol are uncertain.

Objective

This meta-analysis of 67 controlled trials was performed to quantify the cholesterol-lowering effect of major dietary fibers.

Design

Least-squares regression analyses were used to test the effect on blood lipids of pectin, oat bran, guar gum, and psyllium. Independent variables were type and amount of soluble fiber, initial cholesterol concentration, and other important study characteristics.

Results

Soluble fiber, 2–10 g/d, was associated with small but significant decreases in total cholesterol [−0.045 mmol•L−1•g soluble fiber−1 (95% CI: −0.054, −0.035)] and LDL cholesterol [−0.057 mmol•L−1•g−1 (95% CI: −0.070, −0.044)]. The effects on plasma lipids of soluble fiber from oat, psyllium, or pectin were not significantly different. We were unable to compare effects of guar because of the limited number of studies using 2–10 g/d. Triacylglycerols and HDL cholesterol were not significantly influenced by soluble fiber. Lipid changes were independent of study design, treatment length, and background dietary fat content.

Conclusions

Various soluble fibers reduce total and LDL cholesterol by similar amounts. The effect is small within the practical range of intake. For example, 3 g soluble fiber from oats (3 servings of oatmeal, 28 g each) can decrease total and LDL cholesterol by <0.13 mmol/L. Increasing soluble fiber can make only a small contribution to dietary therapy to lower cholesterol.

Key Words

Meta-analysis
humans
controlled trials
total cholesterol
low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
triacylglycerols
dose response
fiber

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*

See corresponding editorial on page 1.