The Formation of Short-Chain Fatty Acids Is Positively Associated with the Blood Lipid–Lowering Effect of Lupin Kernel Fiber in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Adults

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.

Differentiation of Adsorptive and Viscous Effects of Dietary Fibres on Bile Acid Release by Means of In Vitro Digestion and Dialysis

“…These results are consistent with the findings of the current study. An in vivo study conducted by Fechner et al [45] demonstrated that the consumption of lupin kernel fibre contributes to the decrease of blood cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic adults. Even though the incorporation of lupin kernel fibre resulted in a slight increase in primary bile acid excretion, the authors hypothesized the formation of short chain fatty acids to be the main contributor to the reduced cholesterol levels.…”

The gut microbiome and metabolic syndrome

“…This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover study involved daily supplementation for 3 months, which resulted in significantly improved insulin sensi- supplementation, subjects experienced reductions in weight, abdominal adipose tissue, and hepatic fat, and maintained insulin sensitivity (59). A separate, double-blind, randomized crossover study was conducted to determine the preventative effects of lupin kernel fiber, a fiber derived from legumes, or citrus fiber on cardiovascular disease (60). The authors found that after three interventional feeding periods of 4 weeks in duration, study volunteers placed on the high-fiber diets (i.e., lupin or citrus fiber) experienced a reduction in C-reactive protein, systolic blood pressure, and circulating blood lipids, in addition to experiencing higher satiety, weight loss, and a reduction in waist circumference.…”

Effect of probiotic supplementation on total lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and short chain fatty acids in 2–5-year-old children

“…Acetic acid mainly serves as energy source for skeletal muscles, propionic acid is utilised by hepatocytes in gluconeogenesis and butyric acid is of major importance to colonic health as it is one of the main energy sources for colonocytes and is thought to be associated with a reduction in risk for various colonic diseases. [1] Besides functioning as energy sources, SCFAs have been linked to reduced risk for metabolic syndrome,[2] stimulate intestinal motility,[3] reduce serum LDL cholesterol [4] and contribute to satiety. [5]…”