Effects of Insoluble Cereal Fibre on Body Fat Distribution in the Optimal Fibre Trial

Abstract

Scope The Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT) investigates metabolic effects of insoluble cereal fibre in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), showing moderate glycemic and anti‐inflammatory benefits, especially in subjects with an obesity‐related phenotype. An OptiFiT sub‐group is analysed for effects on body fat distribution. Methods and results 180 participants with IGT receive a blinded, randomized supplementation with insoluble cereal fibre or placebo for 2 years. Once a year, all subjects undergo fasting blood sampling, oral glucose tolerance test, and anthropometric measurements. A subgroup (n=47) also received magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy for quantification of adipose tissue distribution and liver fat content. We compared MR, metabolic and inflammatory outcomes between fibre and placebo group metabolism and inflammation. Visceral and non‐visceral fat, fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, and uric acid decrease only in the fibre group, mirroring effects of the entire cohort. However, after adjustment for weight loss, there are no significant between‐group differences. There is a statistical trend for fibre‐driven liver fat reduction in subjects with confirmed non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; n = 19). Conclusions Data and evidence on beneficial effects of insoluble cereal fibre on visceral and hepatic fatstorage is limited, but warrants further research. Targeted trials are required.

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