The Effect of Psyllium Fibre on LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, and Apolioprotein-B: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Serum cholesterol is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which despite considerable reduction in prevalence, remains the leading cause of premature mortality worldwide. Although LDL-C continues to be recognized as the primary therapeutic target, accumulating evidence suggests that alternative lipid parameters, non-HDL-C and apoB, may provide predictive value beyond that of LDL-C alone, in most population categories. Numerous lifestyle strategies have been developed to manage elevated cholesterol concentrations, of which viscous fibre is often encouraged for its beneficial effects on LDL-C reduction. Conversely, the effects of viscous fibre on new lipid markers, non-HDL and apoB, have yet to be defined. Therefore, this study seeks to elucidate the therapeutic potential of psyllium fibre on totality of atherogenic cholesterol and lipoprotein particles in a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.