The formation of short-chain fatty acids is positively associated with the blood lipid-lowering effect of lupin kernel fiber in moderately hypercholesterolemic adults

J Nutr. 2014 May;144(5):599-607. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.186858. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Abstract

Lupin kernel fiber beneficially modifies blood lipids because of its bile acid-binding capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects of a lupin kernel fiber preparation on cardiovascular diseases and to clarify possible mechanisms. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial, 60 moderately hypercholesterolemic adults (plasma total cholesterol: >5.2 mmol/L) passed 3 intervention periods in different orders with a 2-wk washout phase between each. Participants consumed either a high-fiber diet containing 25-g/d lupin kernel fiber (LF) or citrus fiber (CF), or a low-fiber control diet (CD) for 4 wk each. Anthropometric, plasma, and fecal variables were assessed at baseline and after the interventions. Contrary to the CF period, total (9%) and LDL (12%) cholesterol as well as triacylglycerols (10%) were lower after the LF period when compared with the CD period [P ≤ 0.02, adjusted for baseline, age, gender, and body mass index (BMI)]. HDL cholesterol remained unchanged. Moreover, the LF period reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.02) and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.01) when compared with baseline. Bile acid binding could not be shown because the excretion of total bile acids remained constant after the high-fiber diets. However, the LF period resulted in an enhanced formation of the main short-chain fatty acids in comparison with the CD period. During the CF period, only acetate increased significantly. Both high-fiber diets led to higher satiety and modified nutritional behavior, resulting in significantly lower body weight, BMI, and waist circumference compared with the CD period. The blood lipid-lowering effects of LF are apparently not a result of bile acid binding. Rather, we hypothesize for the first time, to our knowledge, that the blood lipid-lowering effects of LF may be mainly attributed to the formation of short-chain fatty acids, specifically propionate and acetate. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01035086.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bile Acids and Salts / metabolism
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood*
  • Citrus / chemistry
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dietary Fiber / pharmacology*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile / biosynthesis*
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile / blood
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / epidemiology
  • Hypercholesterolemia / metabolism*
  • Lupinus / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Seeds / chemistry
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01035086