[Increasing consumption of dietary fiber complementary to the treatment of metabolic syndrome].

INTRODUCTION

the amount of fiber ingested in Latin American countries is lower (10-20 g/d) than recommended (35 g/d). An increase isrecommended for patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) to reduce cardiovascular risk, as well as to prevent obesity and other complications.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate whether increased dietary fiber consumption complements MS treatment and improves clinical and laboratory parameters in subjects at the San Martín Mexicapam "La Joya" Health Center, Oaxaca (Mexico).

METHODS

an analytical-longitudinal study was carried out from January to April 2017, to evaluate nutritional status before and after intervention with dietary fiber and to measure cholesterol levels, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. An increase of 15 g of fiber (fruits-vegetables and/or oat bran and/or wheat bran) was indicated in the usual diet over eight weeks.

RESULTS

the sample consisted of 30 participants from the Mutual Aid Group diagnosed with MS, with an average age of 37.26 years, starting from a body mass index (BMI) of 30.75 kg/cm2 and levels of fasting glycemia at 153.87 mg/dl, triglycerides at 209.67 mg/dl, and cholesterol at 213.81 mg/dl. Following the intervention, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was obtained with a BMI of 29.7 kg/cm2, fasting glycemia at 127.77 mg/dl, triglycerides at 179.71 mg/dl and cholesterol at 207.13 mg/dl.

CONCLUSION

a reduction in the results for the parameters tested in patients of MS is improved by a greater consumption of dietary fiber, such as oat bran. However, additional studies are required to generate clearer recommendations.