Propionate may mediate the hypocholesterolemic effects of certain soluble plant fibers in cholesterol-fed rats.

The effects of propionate on serum and liver lipid concentrations were studied in cholesterol-fed rats. Both serum and liver cholesterol levels were significantly lower in rats fed the cholesterol-propionate diet than in rats fed the cholesterol diet without propionate. Liver triglyceride levels were also significantly lower in the propionate-treated group. Serum triglyceride concentrations were not influenced by the propionate feeding. Propionate intake was not associated with histologic changes in liver tissue. This study indicates that 0.5% sodium propionate-supplemented diets slightly but significantly reduced cholesterol accumulation in both serum and liver of cholesterol-fed rats. Thus propionate, a metabolic product of fiber fermentation, may mediate some of the hypocholesterolemic effects of certain soluble plant fibers.