Comparison of the Effects of Oat Bran and Low-Fiber Wheat on Serum Lipoprotein Levels and Blood Pressure

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that supplementation of the diet with oat bran may lower serum cholesterol levels. However, it is not known whether oat-bran diets lower serum cholesterol levels by replacing fatty foods in the diet or by a direct effect of the dietary fiber contained in oat bran. To determine which is the case, we compared the effect of isocaloric supplements of high-fiber oat bran (87 g per day) and a low-fiber refined-wheat product on the serum lipoprotein cholesterol levels of 20 healthy subjects, 23 to 49 years old. After a one-week base-line period during which they consumed their usual diets, the subjects were given each type of supplement for six-week periods in a double-blind, crossover trial.