The Effect of Fiber Intake on Blood Lipid Profile: A Mini Meta-analysis

Abstract

Regulation of blood lipid profiles is significantly influenced by fiber. Consuming enough fiber can help to keep blood lipid profile within normal range, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease. To synthesize the effect size ofs fiber intake on lipid profiles, a mini meta-analysis was conducted using Hedges’g method. Comprehensive Meta-analysis was used to analyze eleven studies that were coded for this purpose. The analysis findings indicated that dietary fiber consumption significantly reduces TC, LDL, and TG levels with cumulative effect-size were (±95% confidence interval) −1.38±1.21; −1.16±1.16; −0.53±0.65 respectively. At HDL levels, cumulative effect-size value was 0.83±0.94, so fiber consumption significantly increases HDL levels. The Egger regression and Begg rank correlation analysis found evidence of publication bias, with a p-value of less than 0.001. In conclusion, it can be stated that fiber intake may prevent dyslipidemia, which is a possible pathway to several non-communicable diseases.