Oatmeal Diet Linked To Lower Cholesterol In Adults With Metabolic Syndrome

Researchers at the University of Bonn conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a short-term oatmeal diet on cholesterol levels in adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The findings were published in Nature Communications and focused on the impact of dietary interventions on cardiovascular risk factors.

The study included 68 participants who were divided into two groups: one received a high-dose oatmeal diet for two days, and the other followed a moderate-dose oat intervention over six weeks. Control groups were matched for macronutrient or calorie intake to ensure comparability between interventions.

During the two-day intervention, participants consumed approximately 300 grams of oatmeal daily, split into three meals and prepared with water. Only limited amounts of fruit or vegetables were allowed, and total calorie consumption was about half of the participants’ usual intake during this period.

Adults in the high-dose oatmeal group experienced a reduction in LDL cholesterol of roughly 10% and a decrease in total cholesterol of about 8%. The cholesterol-lowering effects remained for up to six weeks after participants resumed their regular diets.

What the numbers show

• LDL cholesterol dropped by around 10% after two days of high-dose oatmeal
• Total cholesterol decreased by approximately 8% following the intervention
• Participants consumed 300 g of oatmeal per day during the short-term intervention
• The study involved 68 adults with metabolic syndrome

The trial also included a six-week moderate-dose oat intervention, in which participants consumed 80 grams of oats per day. This longer intervention produced milder effects on cholesterol levels compared to the short-term, high-dose approach.

Additional outcomes observed during the two-day oatmeal diet included modest weight loss of about 2 kilograms and slight reductions in blood pressure. The study population consisted of adults with metabolic syndrome, defined by a combination of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Mechanistic analysis in the study indicated that the cholesterol reduction was linked to increased levels of microbially produced phenolic metabolites, such as ferulic acid and dihydroferulic acid. This suggests that the gut microbiome may play a role in the observed effects, extending beyond the impact of dietary fiber alone.

Researchers stated that while the cholesterol reduction achieved by the oatmeal diet was meaningful, it did not reach the level typically seen with statin medications. The findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions as part of broader strategies to manage cholesterol in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.