A new study published online in British Journal of Nutrition on 13 November 2014 suggests that supplementation with psyllium fiber can help lower cholesterol in children with high levels of cholesterol or hypercholesterolaemia.
The study led by Professor S. A. Ribas, State University of Rio de Janeiro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and colleagues showed that children with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolaemia who had daily intake of seven grams of psyllium husk fiber for eight weeks had their total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol lowered by nearly 8% and 11%, respectively.
A total of 51 children aged 6 to 19 years with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolaemia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial in which 26 of them took 7 grams of psyllium as a supplement while the controls took an equivalent amount of cellulose for eight weeks. Both groups of participants were treated with the National Cholesterol Education Program Step 2 diet for 6 weeks before the trial.
No side effects were observed in those taking psyllium supplements. The smell, taste, appearance and texture of psyllium were well accepted.
The study suggests that psyllium fiber supplementation is a safe and effective way to treat children with mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia or high cholesterol.
Psyllium husk or fiber is known for its cholesterol lowering property. Several early studies suggest that diet with psyllium fiber is effective at lowering cholesterol. Psyllium powder is available as a dietary supplement.
Other studies show that psyllium can also be an effective weight loss supplement.
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