Effect of Guar Gum on Body Weight and Serum Lipids in Hypercholesterolemic Females

Abstract

The effect of guar gum (15 g/day) on serum lipids and body weight of middle-aged hypercholesterolemic females was studied in a double-blind controlled trial. No consistent changes were observed in serum cholesterol, triglycerides or high density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients taking guar gum, placebo or no medication at all. A highly significant decrease in body weight (62.9 .+-. 2.1 vs. 60.4 .+-. 2.2 kg, P < 0.0005, paired comparison) was seen in subjects receiving guar gum, and body weight remained constant in the other 2 groups. The daily ingestion of 15 g of guar gum results in a permanent weight loss but does not influence serum lipids in females with hypercholesterolemia. Low intake of dietary fiber is a factor responsible for the high prevalence of coronary heart disease in western society.