Cholesterol Metabolism and Its Implications in Man

There is now a considerable literature beginning with the correlative observations of Walker and Arvidsson (1954) showing that the inclusion of fibrous materials in the diet may decrease plasma cholesterol levels. Trowell. (1972) and Story and Kritchkc'vsky ('1976) have extensively reviewed this literature. As might be expected not all sources and components of fibre are equally effective. Rolled oats (De Groat, Luyken & Pikaar, 1963; Luyken et al. 1962) and leguminous seeds (Anderson & Keys, 1965; Mather, Khan & Sharma 1968) have been shown to reduce blood cholesterol concentrations. Eastwood and co-workers (1973), Heatonand Pomare (1974) and Durrington, Wicks and Heaton (1975) obtained nil effects on cholesterol levels from the addition of wheat bran although Eastwood (1969) and Persson, Rabv, Fdnns-Beth and Jeason (1975) have reported significant falls.