Bays H, Evans JL, Maki KC, Evans M, Maquet V, Cooper R, Anderson JW. Chitin-glucan fiber effects on oxidized low-density lipoprotein: A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013;67:10. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2012.121.
In this 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 130 participants with borderline to high LDL cholesterol levels received either 4.5 g/day or 1.5 g/day of chitin-glucan (CG), CG combined with olive oil extract, or a placebo. The group receiving 4.5 g/day of CG experienced a significant reduction in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the 1.5 g/day CG group showed a notable decrease in LDL cholesterol levels. No significant changes were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, or F2-isoprostane levels. The treatment was well-tolerated, with adverse events comparable to placebo. These findings suggest that chitin-glucan supplementation may effectively reduce OxLDL, potentially lowering atherosclerosis risk.
Keywords: Chitin-glucan, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, LDL cholesterol, atherosclerosis, dietary fiber