Effects of soluble fiber (Plantago ovata husk) on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins in men with ischemic heart disease.

BACKGROUND

New dietary strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk include the addition of fiber to the diet. The effect of soluble-fiber consumption derived from Plantago ovata husk on lipid risk factors in patients with CVD is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the effects of soluble fiber (P. ovata husk) with those of insoluble fiber (P. ovata seeds) on plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein (apo) concentrations within a CVD secondary prevention program.

METHODS

In a randomized, crossover, controlled, single-blind design, 28 men with CVD (myocardial infarction or stable angina) and an LDL-cholesterol concentration

RESULTS

Plasma triacylglycerol decreased (6.7%; P < 0.02), the ratio of apo B 100 to apo A-I decreased (4.7%; P < 0.02), and apo A-I increased (4.3%; P < 0.01) in the P. ovata husk consumers. Compared with the intake of insoluble fiber, the intake of P. ovata husk increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 6.7% (P = 0.006) and decreased the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol and of LDL to HDL cholesterol by 10.6% (P = 0.002) and 14.2% (P = 0.003), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In the secondary prevention of CVD, P. ovata husk intake induces a more beneficial effect on the cardiovascular lipid risk-factor profile than does an equivalent intake of insoluble fiber.