Fiber supplements may lower heart risk in diabetics

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Diabetics who take fiber supplements can expect an improvement in their cholesterol profile.
It is already known that supplements which increase dietary fiber can lower cholesterol levels among the general population. Now a team in Utah, USA, has shown that these benefits can be extended to those with diabetes, where high cholesterol is a cause for concern as it may raise their risk of heart problems.

In the trial, 78 participants with type 2 diabetes took a drink with both soluble and insoluble fiber containing guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, pectin and oat fiber. After 90 days, total cholesterol went down, as did low density lipoprotein (LDL or 'bad') cholesterol. Triglyceride fats decreased too, but high density lipoprotein (HDL or 'good') cholesterol went up.

Most adults in the USA do not eat enough dietary fiber. Average daily intake is 15 grams, but the recommended intake is 25 to 30 grams. To get more fiber, eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This study suggests that fiber supplements could have a useful role to play in consolidating intake.

Source
American Heart Association meeting 30th April 2005