Call for partners | CHOLESS Dietary fibers with cholesterol-lowering effects
A health claim for β-glucans from oat/barley exists stating they have cholesterol-lowering effects with a daily consumption of 3 grams. Various other dietary fibers have also shown cholesterol-lowing abilities while others do not. No comprehensive fiber characteristics or mechanism for fiber-cholesterol binding have been identified and hence, understanding of the structural characteristics of fibers that determine cholesterol-lowing qualities is missing. With this knowledge gap, it is not possible to steer market valorisation of dietary fibers through fractionation or modification.
Partner up for impact
About the project / We are looking for:
We are looking for companies that sell dietary fibers or fiber-rich side-streams and are interested in gaining knowledge about their fiber portfolio. Food manufacturers can also participate to gain firsthand knowledge about which fibers have cholesterol-lowing qualities, for use in the development of functional foods.
About the project
Project CHOLESS aims to create a mechanistic and applied understanding of the cholesterol-lowering effect of dietary fibers. For this project, we have combined the expertise of several groups within WFBR and can offer a comprehensive research trajectory, from analytical characterization, bioactivity screening, and fiber optimization. Research is focused on understanding two hypothetic mechanistic routes that are described in literature for the underlying cholesterol-lowering activity of β-glucans:
1) Direct binding of cholesterol
2) Indirect reduction of cholesterol via bile acids scavenging.
Mechanistic understanding of cholesterol-lowering effects will be deepened by creating knowledge about specific fiber characteristics using:
1) Fractionation of fibers and fiber-containing side streams
2) Fiber modifications
3) In vitro simulations of their binding activity to cholesterol and/or bile acids in the small intestine
4) In vitro simulation of fiber stability during colon passage, including microbiome interactions
5) Unambiguous demonstration of cholesterol lowing effects of final study products in a human in vivo trial.
This approach will demonstrate, create understanding and potentially improve the cholesterol-lowering effect of fibers and high-fiber containing side streams. Effectively establishing it as an added-value, high-functional ingredient for a healthy diet.
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