Changes in Visceral Adiposity and Serum Cholesterol with a Novel Viscous Polysaccharide in Japanese Adults with Abdominal Obesity

Conclusion:

This study provides new insight into the relationship between PGX® supplementation and risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. Significant improvements in total and LDL cholesterol levels and waist circumference are critical components to reducing the burden of the metabolic syndrome. PGX® lowered Cholesterol levels ( Total and LDL) as well as reduced waist circumference in this study. The marked reduction in visceral adiposity occurring in female participants has the potential to result in other downstream beneficial effects for overall metabolic health.

Overall in this study, PGX® shows promise in reducing risk factors related to the metabolic syndrome in Japanese adults with abdominal obesity.

Abstract:

Evidence supports the role of dietary fibre in improving metabolic health. PolyGylcopleX® (PGX®), a viscous functional polysaccharide improves lipidemia and glycemia in healthy adults. Our objective was to examine the effects of PGX® on risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in Japanese adults with abdominal obesity.

Methods:

Sixty four subjects assigned to 14 weeks of 15 g (3 x 5g) a day of PGX® or placebo (rice flour) were assessed in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial. At week 0 and 14, primary outcome measures were serum lipids, abdominal adiposity, glucose tolerance and blood pressure.

Results:

Total and LDL cholesterol were reduced at week 14 with PGX® but not placebo (P < 0.05). The reduction in waist circumference at week 14 was greater with PGX® versus placebo (P < 0.05). In females, abdominal visceral fat was decreased to a greater extent with PGX® versus placebo (P < 0.05).

While glucose tolerance worsened with placebo over time, PGX® reduced glucose total area under the curve from week 0 to 6 (P = 0.039). Serum concentrations of resistin and IL6 increased slightly in placebo and decreased slightly with PGX® .

Raylene A. Reimer, Hideyo Yamaguchi, Lindsay K. Eller, Michael R. Lyon, Roland J. Gahler, Veronica Kacinik, Prateek Juneja and Simon Wood. Obesity (2013) DOI: 10.1002/oby.20435