[Fiber-enriched cereal for constipation and for hypercholesterolemia].

A mixed-grain, high-fiber cereal (Disivit) prepared from oats, corn, wheat and soybean was used to treat 20 patients with chronic constipation and 22 with hypercholesterolemia in double-blind, cross-over trials. Disivit (50 g/d, containing 12.5 g dietary fiber) was given to the constipated patients for 2 weeks and then a low-fiber placebo for another 2 weeks, and similarly for the hypercholesterolemic patients. In those with constipation, the frequency of bowel movements increased significantly, stools became softer and laxative intake decreased. In hypercholesterolemic patients serum cholesterol decreased significantly, but only by 15%. Thus the fiber cereal appears to be a suitable treatment for constipation, while for hypercholesterolemia a larger dose or a longer period of treatment may be required.