The Spanish researchers reported significant increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), improved cholesterol ratios and reduced apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels after 12 weeks of β-glucan/chitin–chitosan (βGluCnCs) supplementation. They also found a reduction in waist circumference in obese participants.
“We conclude that the intake of βGluCnCs by overweight and obese subjects is safe and may have a role in the primary prevention of CVD by affecting lipid metabolism, which could contribute to a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk,” they wrote.
Fat-binding nutraceuticals
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled.
In 2022, 43% of adults over the age of 18 were overweight, and 16% were living with obesity. Obesity is linked to higher triglyceride levels, higher LDL cholesterol levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Fat-binding nutraceuticals have gained attention for their potential to lower cholesterol and manage lipid profiles in overweight and obesity.
Polysaccharides such as beta-glucans (β-glucans) and chitosan work by binding to fats and impairing their absorption. They can also increase the bile acid excretion of cholesterol and reduce its absorption in the intestine.
Chitosan is obtained from crustaceans, and β-glucans are found in the cell walls of plant materials, fungi, and bacteria and in foods such as yeast, oats and barley. Previous studies suggest these polysaccharides may support weight loss and healthy cholesterol levels.
The current study used a novel fat binder combining β-glucan and chitin–chitosan derived from the cell wall of S. cerevisiae after the brewing process is completed.
Study details
The 12-week prospective study assessed the effects of βGluCnCs on lipids and lipoprotein functions in 58 overweight and obese individuals who were randomized to receive the intervention or placebo.
Comparing data from blood samples at baseline and four-week intervals, the researchers found βGluCnCs led to a significant increase in HDLc and improved HDLc/non-HDLc and HDLc/total cholesterol (TC) ratios. The intervention showed a reduction in waist size for those with a higher body mass index (BMI).
Additionally, βGluCnCs reduced apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels, markers for CVD risk. The authors noted that this is the first research to show positive effects on apolipoprotein levels using combined chitosan and β-glucans and hypothesized a beneficial synergistic effect.
The intervention's results varied based on sex and baseline LDLc levels. Females were more sensitive to changes in HDLc, and males showed more reductions in ApoB levels. Those with low baseline LDL had more marked increases in HDL, and improvements in LDL were more marked in those with high starting levels.
βGluCnCs did not affect HDL particle diameter, particle number or lipoprotein functionality.
Source: Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3420;
doi: 10.3390/nu16193420
“Efficacy of food industry by-product β-glucan/chitin–chitosan on lipid profile of overweight and obese individuals: Sustainability and nutraceuticals.”
Authors: V. Santisteban et al.