Novel Fiber Formulation Does Not Alter Cardiometabolic Profiles in Overweight Participants Consuming Low-Fiber Diets

Abstract

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine whether a novel fiber formulation improves glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles in overweight men and women consuming a low fiber diet. Methods Twenty individuals were enrolled in this randomized order, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Participants were young, healthy, overweight (BMI 23.0–32.0) and consumed <15 g/day of fiber. All participants consumed the fiber and placebo supplement for a period of 4 weeks each, with a 4-week washout between intervention arms. Participants recorded their diet for 3 days using dietary records twice during each 4-week segment. They consumed either fiber and/or placebo packet containing a total of 12 g/serving per day. The Fiber and/or Placebo was given out as powder form which include mostly dietary fiber (resistant starch, fructooligosaccharide, sugarcane fiber, and inulin), rice flour, xanthan gum, and fruit powders that was mixed with water for consumption. Questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, blood draws, and stool samples were collected at each study visit. Changes in glucose, insulin, and lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols (TG), HDL-C and calculated LDL-C) were assessed using a linear mixed model. Results The mean change in fasted glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles showed a tendency to decrease in response to fiber consumption compared with the placebo but did not meet statistical significance (P = 0.29, 0.42, and 0.61) due to high interindividual variability. This clinical trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03785860. Conclusions Cardiometabolic profiles did not change in response to the fiber supplement. Funding Sources I would like to acknowledge Usana Health Sciences, Inc. for the support in this research.