Effect of dietary fibers on fecal fat excretion in overweight and obese humans

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary fibers, alpha‐cyclodextrin (ACD) or water soluble modified cellulose (WSMC), on fecal fat excretion in overweight and obese humans as compared to positive control (orlistat) or negative control (placebo). This was a randomized, controlled, crossover study with three, double‐blind 7‐d treatment periods followed by an open label, 7‐d orlistat period (180 mg/d). ACD (30 g/d), WSMC (6 g/d), or isocaloric placebo drink (35 kcal/355 ml; 2 servings/d) was consumed in the clinic as part of breakfast and dinner. All foods were provided during the treatment periods. Feces collected during the last 4 days of each treatment were analyzed for fecal fat excretion by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Repeated measures of analysis of variance were used to compare responses. Among 31 subjects randomized (mean age: 45.3 ± 2.3 years; BMI: 31.0 ± 0.6 kg/m2), 21 were eligible for efficacy evaluation. There were no significant differences between the ACD or WSMC and placebo in total fecal fat excretion (g fecal fat/4‐d), daily fecal fat (g/d) or % fecal fat. Fecal fat excretion was significantly increased during orlistat period vs. 3 other periods. In conclusion, the results of the present study do not provide evidence that either 30 g/d of ACD or 6 g/d of WSMC, delivered in beverage form, increases fecal fat excretion in overweight and obese humans. Funded by Coca‐Cola Company.