Effect of Oat Consumption on Lipid Profiles in Hypercholesterolemic Adults
Pimonphan Thongoun MSc*, Patcharanee Pavadhgul PhD*, Akkarach Bumrungpert PhD*, Pratana Satitvipawee PhD**, Yashna Harjani PGDip***, Anne Kurilich PhD****
Affiliation : * Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Public health, Mahidol University, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand *** PepsiCo Asia Services Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand **** PepsiCo R&D, Barrington, IL USA
Background : Hypercholesterolemia is a strong risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Oat (Avena sativa L.) beta-glucan, the
soluble fiber in oat, has been known to reduce blood cholesterol levels considerably. However, the effect of oat soluble fiber
in the Thai population is unknown.
Objective : To determine the effect of oat consumption on serum lipid profiles in Thai hypercholesterolemic adults.
Material and Method: The present study was a randomized, crossover design. Twenty-four hypercholesterolemic adults,
male and female aged 30-60 years, were randomly assigned into two groups of twelve each. Group 1 consumed 70 g (3g beta-
glucan) of oatmeal daily through the first 4-week intervention, and then switched to 70 g rice porridge (control product) daily
for the next 4-week intervention. Group 2 consumed rice porridge first and then oatmeal. Before and after each intervention
period, lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and
low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of all subjects were measured.
Results : Following daily oat consumption, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower than baseline
levels and lower than the levels observed with rice consumption. Oat consumption reduced total cholesterol by 5% and LDL-
cholesterol by 10% from baseline levels. In addition, mean and percent changes were significantly different from the levels
after consuming rice porridge (p<0.05).
Conclusion : Oatmeal reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic Thai adults.
Hence, oat consumption is a reasonable recommendation for Thai individuals with hyperlipidemia.
Keywords : Lipid profiles, Hypercholesterolemia, Oatmeal
