Cholesterol-lowering effect of non-viscous soluble dietary fiber NUTRIOSE^®6 in moderately hypercholesterolemic hamsters

Abstract

NUTRIOSE^®6 is a new wheat starch-based low-digestible carbohydrate. This study investigated the effect of this soluble non-viscous fiber on cholesterol metabolism. Hamsters fed with 0.25% cholesterol-enriched diet (CHO) were given graded amounts of NUTRIOSE^®6, i.e. 0% (cellulose, CHO), 3% (N3), 6% (N6) or 9% (N9) (w:w). As compared to CHO diet, 9% NUTRIOSE^®6 significantly lowered plasma and LDL cholesterol by 14.5 and 23.8%, respectively. The LDL-cholesterol lowering effect was also significant with the 6% dose (-21.4%). NUTRIOSE^®6 diets prevented hepatic cholesterol accumulation (-10 to -20%) and significantly decreased bile cholesterol (-47 to -68%) and phospholipids (-30 to -45%) concentrations. The 9% NUTRIOSE^®6 diet significantly decreased the rate of dietary cholesterol absorption (-25%) and markedly stimulated faecal neutral sterol (+81%) and bile salts (+220%) excretion. No significant change in cholesterol 7-a-hydroxylase or LDL-receptor activities was observed whereas 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity was reduced by 29%. Reduced cholesterol and bile salt absorptions and lowered cholesterol synthesis are likely mechanisms underlying the cholesterol lowering effect of NUTRIOSE^®6. Results suggest the use of NUTRIOSE^®6 as a new dietary cholesterol-lowering agent that should be tested in humans as treatment and evenly prevention of mild hypercholesterolemia.