Meta-Analysis Shows Cholesterol-Lowering Effects Of Psyllium

Nutrition Research Newsletter, March, 2000

Multiple studies have shown that soluble fiber from psyllium husk can lower serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients following a low-fat diet. In tact, the US Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of health claims on food products that contain soluble fiber from psyllium, such as cereals. The FDA has acknowledged that the use of these products may lead to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

A meta-analysis was performed utilizing eight recent studies regarding psyllium and its cholesterol-lowering effects. A total of 384 and 272 subjects with elevated serum cholesterol consumed psyllium or a cellulose placebo, respectively, while following low-fat diets. Serum cholesterol levels were obtained at baseline and following the dietary intervention.

It was found that consumption of 10.2 g of psyllium per day reduced total serum cholesterol by 4%, LDL cholesterol by 7%, and improved the ratio of apolipoprotein (apo) B to apo A-1 by 6% when compared to the subjects receiving the placebo. Psyllium did not alter serum HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels with any significance.

It can be concluded that supplementing a low-fat diet with moderate amounts of psyllium will improve the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic individuals. Psyllium is well tolerated with no harmful side effects and can easily be incorporated into a low-fat diet.

J. Anderson, L. Allgood, A. Lawrence, et al., Cholesterol-Lowering Effects of Psyllium Intake Adjunctive to Diet Therapy in Men and Women with Hypercholesterolemia: Meta-Analysis of 8 Controlled Trials, Am J Clin Nutr 71: 472-479 (February 2000) [Correspondence: J. W. Anderson, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical Services (111C), Leestown Rd., Lexington, KY 40511. E-mail: jwandersmd@aol.com.]