Why was this study done? The cholesterol-lowering ability of fiber has been well established, but making a fiber supplement palatable can be difficult. This study was designed to investigate a combination fiber product (psyllium, pectin, and guar/locust bean gums – which is generally more palatable) and compare it with guar gum. What did the study…
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…
Why was this study done? The cholesterol lowering effects of fiber are well known, but the amount of fiber one should take is less known. This study was designed to help determine the best dose of a mixed fiber (psyllium, pectin, and guar/locust bean gums) product. Participants were given a mixed fiber product containing 5…
Why was this study done? Water-soluble fiber can play an important role in the maintenance of blood lipids (cholesterol), but not all water-soluble fibers are useful for lipid-lowering. This series of small studies were designed to understand differing effects of water-soluble fibers, combination, and concentration of fibers on blood lipid levels. What did the study…
Why was this study done? Water-soluble fibers are a well-recognized tool for lowering cholesterol levels. This study was designed to understand the effects of a combination of water-soluble fibers (psyllium, pectin, guar gum, and locust bean gum) when compared to acacia gum alone. What did the study find? The mixture of fibers (psyllium, pectin, guar…
Why was this study done? Multiple studies have shown that reducing weight has beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors. This study was designed to discover the effects of a diet and exercise routine on cardiovascular disease risk factors in moderately obese postmenopausal women. What did the study find? After 24 weeks of following a diet…
Why was this study done? Obesity and overweight are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to discover the effects of a diet and exercise routine on cardiovascular disease risk factors in moderately obese women. What did the study find? While all groups in the study lost weight after 24 weeks, moderate caloric…
Why was this study done? There is a well-established relationship between fiber intake and cholesterol levels. Many of the studies performed, though, have been short-term in nature. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of long-term (six months) supplemental fiber. What did the study find? A mixture containing water-soluble dietary fiber (psyllium,…
Why was this study done? Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood that is produced in the body during normal protein metabolism. High homocysteine levels are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to understand the relationship between B vitamin status and homocysteine levels. What did the study find?…
Why was this study done? There is a well-known association between blood lipids (HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol) and cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to ascertain the association between soy intake and blood lipids. What did the study find? Supplementing with soy protein and soy foods for six weeks had a positive influence on…