Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests that viscous dietary fiber may offer beneficial effects on glycemic control and, thus, an improved cardiovascular disease risk profile. Our purpose was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to synthesize the therapeutic effect of viscous fiber supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched through 15 June 2018. We included RCTs ‡3 weeks in duration that assessed the effects of viscous fiber on markers of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Two independent reviewers extracted data. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I 2 statistic). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the overall certainty of the evidence. RESULTS We identified 28 eligible trial comparisons (n = 1,394). Viscous fiber at a median dose of ∼13.1 g/day significantly reduced HbA 1c (
Background
The role of dietary fiber in obesity management remains debatable. Evidence suggests that intake of viscous fiber may have the potential to facilitate weight loss.
Objective
We aimed to summarize and quantify the effects of viscous fiber on body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat, independent of calorie restriction, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Methods
Trials ≥4 wk in duration that assessed the effect of viscous fiber supplemented to an ad libitum diet along with comparator diets were included. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were searched through 24 July, 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and random-effects models and expressed as mean differences with 95% CIs. Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I2 statistic). The overall certainty of evidence was explored using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
Results
Findings from 62 trials (n = 3877) showed that viscous fiber reduced mean body weight (−0.33 kg; 95% CI: −0.51, −0.14 kg; P = 0.004), BMI (in kg/m2) (−0.28; 95% CI: −0.42, −0.14; P = 0.0001), and waist circumference (−0.63 cm; 95% CI: −1.11, −0.16 cm; P = 0.008), with no change in body fat (−0.78%; 95% CI: −1.56%, 0.00%; P = 0.05) when consumed with an ad libitum diet. Greater reductions in body weight were observed in overweight individuals and those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The certainty of evidence was graded moderate for body weight, high for waist circumference and body fat, and low for BMI.
Conclusions
Dietary viscous fiber modestly yet significantly improved body weight and other parameters of adiposity independently of calorie restriction. Future trials are warranted to address the inconsistency and imprecision identified through GRADE and to determine long-term weight-loss sustainability.
This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03257449.
Psyllium fiber effectively improves conventional and alternative lipids markers, potentially delaying the process of atherosclerosis-associated CVD risk in those with or without hypercholesterolemia. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03346733.
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