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April 30, 2005
Fiber Supplements Reduce Cholesterol and Risk
Researchers have found that fiber supplements lower levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increase levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in people with this type of diabetes.
Participants in the reported study -- 78 people with type 2 diabetes, who averaged 59 years of age -- took 10 grams to 15 grams daily of a fiber supplement. Their total blood cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL were measured at the start of the study and again after 90 days.
By the end of the study, total cholesterol had fallen from 215 mg/dL to 184 mg/dL, a 14.4 percent decrease. Triglycerides decreased from 299 mg/dL to 257 mg/dL (14 percent). LDL decreased from 129 mg/dL to 92 mg/dL (28.7 percent). HDL increased from 43 mg/dL to 55 mg/dL, up 21.8 percent.
Posted by Diabetologica at April 30, 2005 11:20 AM