Cholesterol binding capacity of fiber from tropical fruits and vegetables.

The cholesterol binding capacity of 28 fiber samples from a variety of the more common tropical fruits and vegetables was determined. The binding capacity of cholestyramine, cellulose, lignin, guar gum and citrus pectin were also determined. Capacities were evaluated by an in vitro method that simulates the effect of the human digestive system on fiber using a series of enzymatic treatments before the binding was determined. Binding values varied from 3% for a soluble fraction of cassava to 84% for cholestyramine. Values for most fruit and vegetable fiber samples were less than or ca. equal to cellulose or lignin (20% and 16%, respectively). Apart from cholestyramine, sweet potato was the most effective binder (30%). Citrus pectin, at 8%, was a relatively poor binder. The capacity of guar gum (17%) was slightly less than cellulose. These data do not support the conclusion from in vivo studies that the hypocholesteremic effects observed for citrus pectin and guar gum are the result of the direct binding of cholesterol or bile acids in the large intestine.