Influence of a psyllium-based fibre preparation on faecal and serum parameters.

A fibre made of psyllium husk was given to 12 elderly patients for 4 months in order to investigate their faecal output and selected serum parameters. The fibre significantly improved bowel function and faecal output confirming its value as a non-irritant, harmless bulk-forming laxative. Serum cholesterol was decreased by 20% while triglycerides remained unchanged. There was a significant reduction in serum calcium after withdrawal of the fibre supplement. There were no significant changes in serum iron, total iron binding capacity, fibrinogen, or in the haematological parameters (ESR, haemoglobin, leucocyte count) attributable to the fibre. The high phytate content of the fibre does not appear to have any clinically significant effect on mineral absorption. It is suggested that dietary fibre (at least psyllium-based fibre preparations) may have significant cholesterol lowering capacity due to the binding of bile-acids in the intestine.