Soluble Dietary Fibers as Antihyperlipidemic Agents: A Comprehensive Review to Maximize Their Health Benefits

Abstract

The number of hypercholesterolemic people is increasing rapidly worldwide, with elevated lipid profiles representing a major risk factor of coronary heart diseases. Dietary intervention was shown to improve the lipid profile, thus enhancing the quality of life. Dietary fiber is a nondigestible form of carbohydrates, due to the lack of the digestive enzyme in humans required to digest fiber, and is classified according to its water solubility properties as either soluble (SDF) or insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). Consumption of SDF is associated with several health benefits such as reduced lipid levels, lower blood pressure, improved blood glucose control, improved immune function, and reduced inflammation. SDF has been shown to lower blood cholesterol by several action mechanisms including directly due to the gelling, mucilaginous, and viscous fiber nature, and indirectly due to its fermented products and modulation of the gut microbiome. This review aims to provide a holistic overview on how SDF impacts the lipid profile. We start by providing an overview of the chemical structure of the major SDFs including mucilage, gums (gum arabic and guar gum), pectin, and inulin.

Effect of viscous soluble dietary fiber on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials

“…At present, the commonly used food processing method involves adding viscous fibers to proteins, starches, or beverages or adding acidic fruit films to stimulate saliva secretion ( 16 ). Fiber intake can also have adverse effects, such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, so it is recommended to gradually increase the dose during intake to establish gastrointestinal tolerance ( 61 , 62 ).…”

The effects of high‐pressure, enzymatic, and high‐pressure‐assisted enzymatic treatment on the properties of soluble dietary fibers and their use in jelly prepared with grape waste extract

“…Furthermore, SDF is known to have protective effects against LDL cholesterol, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease (Bakr & Farag, 2023). In terms of balanced diet, isolated SDF significantly reduces body weight in overweight and obese participants, making SDF a component of standard obesity therapy.…”