Dietary Fiber in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome: A Review

Authors: Aleixandre, Amaya; Miguel, Marta

Source: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Volume 48, Number 10, November 2008 , pp. 905-912(8)

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Abstract:

Inclusion of fiber in the diet has been linked to the prevention of a range of illnesses and conditions. This review contains several ideas about the possible benefits of dietary fiber intake in patients with metabolic syndrome. The principal beneficial effects of a fiber-rich diet in these patients are: prevention of obesity, improved glucose levels, and control of the profile of blood lipids. We now also know that dietary fiber may favor the control of arterial blood pressure. Animal experiments have also shown the benefit of different types of fiber on these variables. Of particular relevance are the studies using obese Zucker rats, which present similar anomalies to those seen in patients with metabolic syndrome. There is therefore a growing interest in discovering new sources of natural fiber. Some of these different kinds of fiber may then be used as functional ingredients to obtain foods with properties that are beneficial to health.

Keywords: dietary fiber; metabolic syndrome

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10408390701761886

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain

Publication date: 2008-11-01