Effect of flaxseed gum on reduction of blood glucose and cholesterol in type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

The effects of ingestion of flaxseed gum on blood glucose and cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in type 2 diabetes were evaluated. Flaxseed gum was incorporated in wheat flour chapattis. Sixty patients of type 2 diabetes were fed a daily diet for 3 months, along with six wheat flour chapattis containing flaxseed gum (5 g), as per the recommendations of the American Diabetic Association. The control group (60 individuals) consumed an identical diet but the chapattis were without gum. The blood biochemistry profiles monitored before starting the study and at monthly intervals showed fasting blood sugar in the experimental group decreased from 154 ± 8 mg/dl to 136 ± 7 mg/dl (P=0.03) while the total cholesterol reduced from 182 ± 11 mg/dl to 163 ± 9 mg/dl (P=0.03). Results showed a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from 110 ± 8 mg/dl to 92 ± 9 mg/dl (P=0.02). The study demonstrated the efficacy of flax gum in the blood biochemistry profiles of type 2 diabetes.

Flaxseed—a potential functional food source

“…Flaxseed fiber plays an important role in lowering the blood glucose levels. Studies demonstrated that insoluble fiber slows down the release of sugar in the blood and thus help in reducing blood glucose levels to great extent (Thakur et al 2009;Kapoor et al 2011). Soluble gum of the flaxseed may be helpful in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases by exhibiting hypocholesterolemic effect (Jenkins et al 1987;Cunnane et al 1994).…”

Effect of storage and processing of Brazilian flaxseed on lipid and lignan contents

“…However, due to its limited shelf-life, flaxseed was not used for human nutrition for a period of time. However, nowadays it gains attention worldwide as a functional food due to the findings that the consumption of flaxseed brings benefits to health, such as to help reducing the risk of occurrence of breast cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and menopausal symptoms (DUFFY;CYR, 2003;DODIN et al, 2008;SACCO et al, 2009;THAKUR et al, 2009). …”

“…The high soluble fiber content is interesting for the nutritional point of view because it may decrease postprandial glucose absorption, improve glucose tolerance, and modulate serum cholesterol levels (CUNNANE et al, 1995;RICKARD;THAKUR et al, 2009). …”

Flaxseed for Hypertension: Implications for Blood Pressure Regulation

“…Soluble fibre produces most of the anti-hypertensive benefits, accounting for 85 % of the fibre-associated decreases in SBP and 59 % in DBP [36]. In a randomized controlled trial, hypertensive, type 2 diabetic patients consuming 5 g/day of flaxseed gum (soluble mucilage) for 12 weeks noted substantial, yet insignificant, decreases in SBP, DBP and MAP (−16, −8 and −10 mm Hg) [37]. Higher doses of soluble fibre may be required to elicit significant anti-hypertensive action.…”