Evaluation of Oral Alpha-Cyclodextrin for Decreasing Serum Cholesterol
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2015-02-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in developed countries.
Although statin-type drugs are currently the most effective therapeutic agents for
reducing CVD risk. One possible complementary approach involves the use of soluble
dietary fibers that are known to reduce blood cholesterol levels. However, analysis has
shown that most soluble fibers reduce total cholesterol levels by relatively small
amounts.
- Alpha-Cyclodextrin (Alpha-CD), also sold in commerical form, is a soluble fiber derived
from corn that is used as an ingredient in many foods, such as bread rolls, crackers,
juices, and reduced fat spreads. It is added to food primarily as a fiber supplement but
is also used to stabilize flavors, colors, vitamins, and fatty acids. Studies in animals
and humans have shown that Alpha-CD may help to improve insulin resistance and lower LDL
cholesterol levels with no apparent side effects. More research is needed to determine
the effect of Alpha-CD on total cholesterol levels in healthy volunteers.
Objectives:
- To determine the effect of oral Alpha-CD on total cholesterol in a nondiabetic population.