Soluble Fiber Alpha-Cyclodextrin May Lower Bad Cholesterol

Scientists used to think that all cholesterol was bad for our health, but later discovered that there is “good” and “bad” cholesterol — with “bad” cholesterol being the primary contributor to heart disease. A recent study suggest that taking a daily supplement of alpha-cyclodextrin may reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels by as much as 10% in healthy people.

Participants in the study included 75 healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 75 with a mean age of 34 and a mean BMI of 25 kg/m2. They were given either 6 grams of alpha-cyclodextrin or a placebo daily for 12 to 14 weeks.

At the conclusion of the story, the researchers noted a 10% reduction in LDL cholesterol in the alpha-cyclodextrin group. They also noted an average 1.6% decrease in fasting plasma glucose levels and an average 11% decrease in the insulin resistance index. No serious negative side effects were reported.

Researchers from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institute of Health conducted the study. It was published on July 12, 2016, in Lipids in Health and Disease.

Alpha-cyclodextrin is a soluble fiber derived from corn. In addition to lowering blood lipids, previous studies suggest that it may help with weight loss. Alpha-cyclodextrin can be taken as a supplement.