A recent study published on PLoS Medicine looked at the effect of fiber in adolescent males aged 15-16 years at risk for metabolic syndrome. The youths were recruited from secondary schools in lower socio-economic areas with high rates of obesity. Participants were given 6 grams of psyllium per day in capsule form or placebo for 6 weeks, then a two week wash-out period, and then another 6 weeks either psyllium or placebo. The researchers found that 6 weeks of 6 g/day of psyllium resulted in improved fat distribution and an improved lipid profile, both markers for metabolic syndrome. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, so high in fiber, is part of a comprehensive plan to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. It is probably easier in this population to just give them a pill with fiber than change a whole diet, although both would be optimal.
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