Many cardiology guidelines recommend statins as first-line therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, consideration of soluble dietary fibres for patients with statin intolerance or nonachievement of goal is suggested. A report, published in American Journal of Cardiology, suggests the combination of dietary fibre from whole grains and statins can provide a healthier lipoprotein profile than a statin alone therapy.
Researchers performed a meta-analysis of 3 randomised controlled clinical studies that evaluated the simultaneous utilisation of psyllium and statins. The study duration ranged between 4 and 12 weeks.
A clinically significant cholesterol lowering advantage for psyllium and statin combination treatment compared to a statin alone therapy was observed (P=.001). Adding psyllium fibre with statins resulted in reductions in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol equivalent to doubling the statin dose.
Authors commented: “A diet high in soluble viscous fibre could be an option for patients needing to reduce mild to moderate elevations in serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.” They further added that addition of psyllium can be particularly beneficial for reducing the need for higher doses of statins or other drugs to meet impactful cholesterol lowering target goals.
