09 Dec How Heart-Healthy Cereals Reduce Cholesterol
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr Nima Gunness
Dr Nima Gunness, PhD
Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls
Centre For Nutrition and Food Sciences
The University of Queensland
Australia
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Soluble dietary fibres (SDFs) such as B-glucan from oat are known to lower blood cholesterol, however their mechanisms of action are unknown. It has previously been hypothesised that they bind to bile acids in the small intestine causing an excess excretion in the faeces. To replenish this loss the body synthesises more bile acid from blood cholesterol, its sole precursor. However, evidence for this mechanism is not convincing.
In our study we’ve used pigs, as a model to study human digestion and relate the findings to diet related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We found that the SDF lowered blood total and LDL cholesterol but with a decrease in the circulating levels of bile acids. We also measured a decrease in the diffusion of cholesterol and bile acids across small intestinal epithelial tissue. In the colon we saw enhanced production of a therapeutic ursodeoxycholic acid, suppression of toxic lithocholic acid and transformation of cholesterol into coprostanol, a non-absorbable sterol.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Oat B-glucan added to the diet or eating whole oats can lower blood cholesterol, protects the gut lumen from toxic bile acids and improve gut microbiota, after an adaptation period.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Now that we know how the beta glucans positively impact on cholesterol levels, it will help us identify other fibres in plant cell walls and plant-based foods that may have a similar effect.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: The data and insights add further weight to the message from dietary guidelines to increase intake of soluble dietary fiber by including more wholegrain cereals, fruits and vegetables in diets.
Citation:
The FASEB Journal article fj.201600465R. Published online September 14, 2016.
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on December 9, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD