LIPID-LOWERING EFFECTS OF DIETARY FIBER

Soluble dietary fibers have been shown to reduce total plasma choleste rol and LDL-cholesterol, the two important risk factors for coronary h eart disease. Multiple mechanisms appear to be involved in the hypocho lesterolemic response, and data indicate that the profile of operating mechanisms may vary considerably among different dietary fiber source s. The mechanisms which have been suggested include binding of bile ac ids and interference with their enterohepatic circulation, interferenc e with micelle formation, and reduced hepatic cholesterol synthesis. A n examination of hypocholesterolemic action of dietary pectin indicate s that this effect is due to a shift of cholesterol from plasma to the hepatic pools.