Leatherhead calls for fibre cardiovascular research
UK-based Leatherhead Food International is attempting to redress what its nutrition research division perceives to be a clinical trial hole in the ability of dietary fibre to benefit micro- and macro-vascular function.
The researcher and analyst is calling on companies to contribute to research projects that will be “properly powered and robust”, according to Leatherhead’s Dr Kelly Johnston.
“There are very few randomised clinical trials in this area,” she told NutraIngredients.com, noting that while the effects on vascular function of dietary salt, fat, fruits and vegetables and some digestible carbohydrates have greater backing.
Impaired vascular function is common among the increasing numbers of diabetes type 2 sufferers, which in turn increases the chances of cardiovascular disease.
Leatherhead noted the European Union nutrition and health claims regulation’s gold standard clinical trial approach had upped the ante on study design.
