The Effects of Dietary Fiber on Plasma Lipoprotein Metabolism in Non-insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) on plasma lipoprotein metabolism in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Twelve diabetic patients (6 males and 6 females) consumed wafers containing 14.4 g of dietary fiber (DF)(hemicellulose 39.6%, cellulose 35.3%, lignin 0.7%, and soluble storage polysaccharides 24.4%) per day for 4 to 8 weeks. The plasma concentration of total cholesterol (Ch) was significantly decreased from 190± 13mg/dl (mean±S. E.) to 174±12mg/dl by the DF treatment. The plasma level of low density lipoprotein-Ch was also significantly decreased from 126±10mg/dl to 111±10mg/dl. Plasma levels of triglyceride and high density lipoprotein-Ch were not changed significantly by DF treatment. The plasma apolipoprotein B concentration was significantly decreased from 99±8mg/dl to 91±8mg/dl, but the plasma apolipoprotein A-I concentration was significantly increased from 102±5mg/dl to 107±5mg/dl. These results suggest that IDF improves plasma lipoprotein metabolism and may protect against coronary heart disease.