Lime-treated maize husks lower plasma LDL-cholesterol levels in normal and hypercholesterolaemic adult men from northern Mexico.
Lime-treated maize husks (LTCH), a by-product of tortilla manufacturing in Mexico, have been shown to decrease plasma LDL-cholesterol levels in guinea-pigs by specific alterations in hepatic cholesterol metabolism. To determine whether LTCH would also lower plasma cholesterol levels in normal and hyperlipidaemic individuals, the fibre content of a typical diet was increased by supplementing free-living subjects in North-West Mexico with cookies containing 450 g LTCH/kg. Normal subjects (n 11) with plasma cholesterol levels of less than 5.7 mmol/l and hypercholesterolaemic subjects (n 12) with plasma cholesterol levels higher than 5.7 mmol/l participated in the study. Plasma glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations, LDL:HDL values and blood pressure were determined at baseline and after 6 weeks of supplementation with LTCH. LTCH supplementation significantly lowered the plasma total cholesterol level by 11-15% and LDL-cholesterol by 25%, and improved the LDL:HDL value by 29-33% (P < 0.01) in both normal and hypercholesterolaemic subjects. HDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerol and glucose concentrations did not change. Both groups consumed equal amounts of LTCH per week; individuals showed excellent compliance and good acceptance of the product. Neither group changed their dietary habits during the time of the experiment as determined by 3 d dietary records at baseline and at week 6. We conclude that LTCH supplements are suitable to increase fibre intake and reduce plasma LDL-cholesterol levels in healthy and hypercholesterolaemic subjects in this population.
Vidal-Quintanar
R L
RL
Departamento de Investigación y Posgrado en Alimentos, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico.
Mendívil
R L
RL
Peña
M
M
Fernandez
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D003313:Zea mays
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D002784:Cholesterol