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A systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs on the effect of psyllium fiber on lipid targets for CVD risk reduction
Author(s) -
Zurbau Andreea,
Ho Hoang Vi Thanh,
Jovanvoski Elena,
Mejia Sonia Blanco,
Sievenpiper John,
Jenkins Alexandra,
Vuksan Vlad
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.973.12
Subject(s) - psyllium , medicine , cholesterol , apolipoprotein b , meta analysis , randomized controlled trial , gastroenterology , endocrinology , dietary fiber , chemistry , food science
Background Psyllium fiber, while initially promoted for its digestive health benefits, is now known to moderately improve LDL cholesterol. However, it is less known whether psyllium fiber has an effect on two newer clinical lipid targets of cardiovascular disease, non‐HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the cholesterol‐lowering impact of psyllium fiber on LDL cholesterol, non‐HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. Design MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane CENTRAL were searched. We included RCTs of 3‐week duration assessing the effect of psyllium fiber on LDL cholesterol, non‐HDL cholesterol or apolipoprotein B. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed study quality and risk of bias. Data were pooled using the generic inverse‐variance method with random effects models and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran Q‐statistic and quantified by the I2 statistic. Results Sixteen studies (n = 1208) were included in the meta‐analysis. Psyllium fiber significantly reduced LDL cholesterol (MD = −0.26 [−0.33, −0.20] mmol/L), non‐HDL cholesterol (MD = −0.43 [−0.81, −0.05] mmol/L), and apolipoprotein B (MD = −0.06 [−0.10, −0.02] g/L). Conclusion Pooled analyses show that psyllium fiber significantly improves LDL cholesterol and non‐HDL cholesterol. Inclusion of psyllium fiber may be a strategy for achieving targets in CVD risk reduction.