A blend of highly viscous polysaccharide decreases relative CVD risk in healthy individuals and those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Objective To determine whether a single dietary modification, addition of the highly viscous polysaccharide PGX™ (Inovobiologic, Calgary), decreases relative risk of CVD. Methods 3 studies were carried out in healthy individuals or those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Results were analyzed using the Framingham equation. Studies: 11 subjects with type 2 diabetes (62±9 years), AHA Step 2 diet, insoluble fiber replaced by 0.5 g/100 Kcal of PGX, two 3‐week treatment phases with a 2‐week washout period. Compared to placebo, PGX significantly (p<0.05) reduced total/HDL cholesterol ratio and systolic blood pressure. 11 subjects with metabolic syndrome (55±4 years), PGX‐enriched biscuits (8–13 g/day) or wheat bran biscuits, two 3‐week treatment periods with a 2‐week washout. Decreases (p<0.05) in serum cholesterol, LDL, and cholesterol/HDL were observed during PGX treatment compared with control. 23 healthy normolipidemic individuals (35±12 years), metabolic diet, insoluble fiber replaced by 0.2 g/100 Kcal of PGX, randomized crossover study (phase duration 21 days and 7 days washout). Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, ApoB, LDL, cholesterol/HDL, and LDL/HDL significantly decreased (p<0.05) with PGX compared to control.Results Cardiovascular risk was reduced by 11% (from 1.03 to 0.93, p<0.05) in type 2 diabetic subjects, by 21% (from 1.04 to 0.86, p<0.05) in subjects with the metabolic syndrome, and by 31% (from 1.09 to 0.83, p<0.001) in healthy subjects. Conclusion Dietary supplementation with PGX improves CHD risk factors across the three population groups and reduces their relative risk of cardiovascular disease. Research Support: Inovobiologic, Calgary