| Year long
Clinical Study reveals wonderful results using Matol’s fiber
supplement Fibresonic
Dr. Tapan K. Basu,
Professor, Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional
Science at the University of Alberta, recently completed Phase I
(Clinical Study) of a two part Dietary Fiber Study. The following is
a brief synopsis:
INTRODUCTION
Dietary fiber can be divided
into two main categories - water-soluble and water insoluble.
Inadequate fiber intake has been linked to a variety of diseases,
including bowel disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Only
a few commercially available fiber supplements contain both soluble
and insoluble fiber. This study was undertaken to compare the
potential health benefits of FiberSonic (both types of fiber) with
that of Psyllium, a hydrophilic mucilloid consisting of only soluble
fiber (Metamucil).
CLINICAL STUDY: PHASE I
A.
PROCEDURES
A total of 23 subjects were recruited, all of which were over
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the age of 50. Focus was placed
on subjects who, to some degree had a problem with constipation and
an above average serum cholesterol level. Subjects were given the
two fiber supplements (FiberSonic and Metamucil), each for periods
of approximately 30 days in random order. The two periods of fiber
feeding were separated by 28 days without fiber supplement (washout
period). The subjects were instructed to eat their regular diet
during the entire experimental period.
B. RESULTS
1. Colonic Function
The study revealed that the daily stool volume increased by
FiberSonic supplementation in 4 out of 5 subjects (80%), while the
Metamucil supplementation resulted in an increased stool volume in 3
out of 6 subjects (50%). The study also indicated that 4 out of 5
subjects who had an increased stool volume due to FiberSonic intake,
experienced a decreased bowel transit time. The transit time was
decreased in three out of six subjects taking Metamucil as a fiber
supplement.
2. Hypocholesterolemic Action
Twelve subjects were
recruited for this study. Neither the FiberSonic nor the Metamucil |
had any effect on the plasma
total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol or triglycerides. However,
FiberSonic resulted in an elevation of the HDL-cholesterol level
(15%).
CONCLUSIONS
1. Colon Function
To a select group of
subjects (50+), daily supplementation with one packet of Fibresonic
containing 11g of soluble and insoluble fiber for 30 days revealed
an appreciable increase in stool volume and a decreased bowel
transit time.
These results clearly indicate that FiberSonic
could be used for an effective alleviation from constipation. In
this respect, FiberSonic is more effective than Metamucil.
2. Cholesterol-lowering Action
Neither FiberSonic nor
Metamucil had a positive effect on the plasma levels of total
cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triyglycerides. However, HDL-cholesterol
(a protective factor against coronary heart disease, CHD) was
significantly increased by Fibresonic supplementation for 30 days.
*Metamucil® is made by
G.D. Searle & Co. Searle does not make or license Fibresonic®. |
