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Long-term effects of consuming foods containing psyllium seed husk on serum lipids in subjects with hypercholesterolemia.

  • 1998-03
  • The American journal of clinical nutrition 67(3)
    • M H Davidson
    • K C Maki
    • J C Kong
    • L D Dugan
    • S A Torri
    • H A Hall
    • K B Drennan
    • S M Anderson
    • V L Fulgoni
    • L G Saldanha
    • B H Olson

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size
n = 286
Population
Men and women (n = 286) with LDL-cholesterol concentrations between 3.36 and 5.68 mmol/L (130 and 220 mg/dL)
Methods
Randomized, double-blind controlled study; consuming foods containing 0 (control), 3.4, 6.8, or 10.2 g psyllium seed husk (PSH)/d for 24 wk
Blinding
Double-blind
Duration
24 wk
  • Large Human Trial
The effects of consuming foods containing 0 (control), 3.4, 6.8, or 10.2 g psyllium seed husk (PSH)/d for 24 wk on the serum lipid profile were assessed in this randomized, double-blind controlled study. Men and women (n = 286) with LDL-cholesterol concentrations between 3.36 and 5.68 mmol/L (130 and 220 mg/dL) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups after following a low-fat diet for > or = 8 wk. At week 24, LDL cholesterol was 3% above baseline in the control group. In the group consuming 10.2 g PSH/d, LDL cholesterol remained below baseline during treatment, with a value 5.3% below that of the control group at week 24 (P < 0.05 compared with the control group). No significant differences were observed in HDL cholesterol or triacylglycerol. Although modest, the effect of 10.2 g PSH/d on LDL cholesterol (relative to the control) persisted throughout the 24-wk treatment period, indicating potential for long-term benefit.

Research Insights

  • Psyllium→Increased HDL Cholesterol

    No significant differences were observed in HDL cholesterol or triacylglycerol.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    10.2 g/d
  • Psyllium→Reduced LDL Cholesterol

    In the group consuming 10.2 g PSH/d, LDL cholesterol remained below baseline during treatment, with a value 5.3% below that of the control group at week 24 (P < 0.05 compared with the control group).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    10.2 g/d
  • Psyllium→Reduced Triglyceride Level

    No significant differences were observed in HDL cholesterol or triacylglycerol.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    10.2 g/d
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