Mechanisms used by inulin-type fructans to improve the lipid profile

• Main Author: Reis, Sandra Aparecida dos
• Publication Date: 2014
• Other Authors: Conceição, Lisiane Lopes da, Rosa, Damiana Diniz, Dias, Manoela Maciel dos Santos, Peluzio, Maria do Carmo Gouveia
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: LOCUS Repositório Institucional da UFV
• Download full: http://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2015.31.2.7706; http://www.locus.ufv.br/handle/123456789/20175
• topic: Dyslipidemias; Inulin; Cardiovascular disease; Lipid metabolism

The consumption of prebiotics has been associated with improvement in the lipid profile. Thus, this review aims to describe the main mechanisms by which inulin-type fructans improve the lipid profile and thereby reduce the cardiovascular risk. Inulin-type fructans have been demonstrated to improve the lipid profile through a number of mechanisms. These mechanisms include: decrease in gene expression of hepatic enzymes responsible for de novo synthesis of lipids; increase of muscle lipoprotein lipase enzyme activity, enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids; altered production of polyamines which increases the production of satiogenic peptide; altered blood glucose and insulinemia; increase of fecal excretion of bile salts and cholesterol and increase of the Bifidobacterium population. The consumption of inulin-type fructans enhances lipid profile. Generally, the mechanisms vary according to the physiologic state of the individual and the type of diet to which the inulin-type fructans are added. Thus, inulin may be used for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases.