Soluble Fiber Supplementation and Serum Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 36796439 · doi:10.1016/j.advnut.2023.01.005
What was done
Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) searched across PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science published prior to November 2021. The authors evaluated the effect of soluble fiber supplementation on blood lipids in adults across 181 RCTs with 220 treatment arms (14,505 participants: 7,348 intervention, 7,157 controls). Mean differences (MD) and 95% CIs were estimated overall and per 5 g/day increment using random-effects models. Risk of bias and evidence certainty were evaluated using Cochrane and GRADE tools.
What was found
Soluble fiber supplementation significantly reduced LDL cholesterol (MD: -8.28 mg/dL, 95% CI: -11.38 to -5.18), total cholesterol (MD: -10.82 mg/dL, 95% CI: -12.98 to -8.67), triglycerides (MD: -5.55 mg/dL, 95% CI: -10.31 to -0.79), and apolipoprotein B (MD: -44.99 mg/L, 95% CI: -62.87 to -27.12). Each 5 g/day increment was associated with significant reductions in total cholesterol (MD: -6.11 mg/dL, 95% CI: -7.61 to -4.61) and LDL cholesterol (MD: -5.57 mg/dL, 95% CI: -7.44 to -3.69).
Why it matters
This large meta-analysis confirms that soluble fiber exerts a clear, dose-dependent lowering effect on atherogenic lipid fractions, supporting its clinical role in dyslipidemia management and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Limits
The abstract does not report effects on HDL cholesterol, hard cardiovascular endpoints, specific types/sources of soluble fiber, trial durations, adverse gastrointestinal effects, or baseline dietary adherence. Specific GRADE certainty ratings per outcome are not reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol and improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.