Effects of Long-term Administration of Indigestible Dextrin on Visceral Fat Accumulation

Abstract

[Abstract] We conducted a clinical trail in order to evaluate the effects of continual ingestion of indigestible dextrin on both glucose and lipid metabolism, and fat accumulation and its distribution in human subjects. There were twelve male subjects with either serum total – cholesterol level more than 220 mg/dl or triacylglycerol level more than 150 mg/dl. Subjects were concurrently ingested 10g of indigestible dextrin with meal (3 times/day) for three month. Each was subjected to a glucose tolerance test and CT scan at umbilical level, and also taken blood sample to measure the clinical laboratory data before and after the test period. Compared to the starting levels, percent body fat in all the subjects and the area of visceral fat in subjects with obesity were significantly decreased. Although the average peak level of serum glucose was more than 200 mg/dl at 60 min after 75 g glucose administration, glucose tolerance was improved and the average levels of serum glucose at 30, 60, and 120 min were significantly reduced after the test period. Likewise, serum total-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels were significantly reduced. No adverse event such as diarrhea was observed through the test period. In conclusion, continual ingestion of indigestible dextrin is useful for reducing the body fat accumulation, especially visceral fat.