LIPID-LOWERING EFFECT OF A NEW FIBER MIXTURE CONSISTING GUAR AND APPLE-PECTIN IN FEMALE TYPE-2-DIABETICS WITH HYPERCHOLESTERINEMIA

The lipid-lowering effect of a new mixture of fiber consisting in guar and apple-pectin in combination with apple-pomaces has been estimated in 15 female type 2-diabetics [age xBAR = 62 (52-70) yr] with hypercholesterolemia (total-chol >240 mg/dl and LDL-chol >130 mg/dl). After a dietetic run-in-phase of 3 weeks the patients received the fiber mixture (1 package of 17 g with about 5,9 g watersoluble fiber) dissolved in 250 ml water for the next 9 weeks: during the first 3 weeks 2 portions per day, the next 3 weeks twice 1/2 portion and the last 3 weeks one 1/2 portion daily. The fiber mixture had to been consumed 30 minutes before taking a main meal. Regular intake of the fiber product led to a significant decrement in blood lipids, and this improvement under 2 portions daily has been maintained for the most part with the reduced dosage. The total-chol levels decreased by -11,3% during the first 3 weeks of fiber intake (p<0.05) and by -12,6% during the next 3 weeks (p<0.05), the decrease during the last 3 weeks under the reduced fiber intake was -9,6% (ns). The HDL-chol levels remained approximately the same during the whole period of observation. The triglyceride concentrations in serum could be lowered by -15,5% during the first 3 weeks of fiber intake, and by -19,2% during the next 3 weeks (p<0.05), finally the decrease was -12,3% (ns). The atherogenic index (Chol-/HDL-chol) could be reduced on an average of 14,3% in relation to the initial value. A good long-term compliance of the patients could-be achieved by the lack of side effects and its form of administration as a palatable viscous drink.