Effect of pectin on some electrolytes and trace elements in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia.
BACKGROUND
Water-soluble dietary fibres are widely used in preventive and curative nutrition, especially in cases of hyperlipoproteinemia. Occurrence of disturbances of the electrolyte and trace element metabolism causing adverse effects in long-term treatment with pectin can be theoretically substantiated.


METHODS
Seventy three patients with hyperlipoproteinemia, aged from 40 to 69 years, were included in the study. They were treated with a natural product, based on high-esterified pectin granulated with sorbitol. The patients were examined prior to the treatment and once monthly during the three-month course of therapy.


RESULTS
The results of the comparative assessment of the electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, ionised calcium, total and ionised magnesium) failed to reach statistical significance during the administration of the pectin product. Neither did the serum level of trace elements (iron and copper) change significantly during the observed period.


CONCLUSIONS
The biochemical analysis of the serum level of certain electrolytes and trace elements indicate that daily administration of 15 g of high-esterified apple pectin for a three-month period has no adverse effects. Therefore pectin products can be included in the therapeutic schedule in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia.
Grudeva-Popova
J
J
Clinic of Hematology, Higher Medical Institute, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Sirakova
I
I
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006951:Hyperlipoproteinemias / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010368:Pectins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000097:blood*
D004573:Electrolytes; D014131:Trace Elements; D010368:Pectins