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

Objective: Evidence supports the role of dietary fiber in improving metabolic health. PolyGlycopleX® (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. Design and Methods: Sixty four subjects assigned to 14 weeks of 15 g day−1 of PGX® or placebo were assessed in a randomized, 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®. Conclusions: PGX® is a functional fiber that shows promise in reducing risk factors related to the metabolic syndrome in Japanese adults with abdominal obesity.