Why was this study done?

Fibers may be classified as either water-soluble or non-water-soluble. Water-soluble fibers have been researched for their cholesterol lowering effects, but that doesn’t mean that all water-soluble fibers are the same. This study was designed to determine whether acacia gum (a water-soluble fiber) had any effect on cholesterol lowering.

What did the study find?

This study found that acacia gum performed no better than placebo and had no effect on cholesterol levels.


The Relationship of Water Soluble Dietary Fiber (WSDF) Structure to Plasma Cholesterol-Lowering Efficacy in Humans
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Authors: Spiller G, et al. International Symposium on Multiple Risk Factors in Cardiovascular Disease, 1990: p. 89.
PDF Abstract: Symposium on Cardiovascular Disease, 1990.