[Lowering cholesterol with Anticholest--a high fiber guar-apple pectin drink]

In order to determine the efficacy of Anticholest, an apple-pectin-guar soft-drink in reducing elevated cholesterol (c) levels, 33 participants (aged from 8 to 73 years) were divided into three groups of comparable age, body-mass index, total c, LDL-c, HDL-c, and triglycerides. They received this combined fiber product either (group 1) at dosages of 1 cup (17 g) every second day, or (group 2) of 1 cup a day or (group 3) of 2 cups a day. Anticholest significantly reduced total c, LDL-c and the total c/HDL-c ratio. In group 3 HDL-c was increased significantly (p less than 0.01). The average percentage decrease in total c was 10.0% for group 1, 10.7% for group 2, and 15.7% for group 3. LDL-c was lowered 14.4% in group 1, 13.8% in group 2 and 19.1% in group 3. The highest individual reduction amounted to more than 30% for total-c and LDL-c. A significant decrease was also detected in the triglycerides (tg) in group 3 (p less than 0.05). 7 patients were non-responders. Anticholest appears to be an appropriate treatment for patients at risk of coronary heart disease with insufficient or inadequate response to dietary measures, but where long-term pharmacotherapy is not yet indicated. The lack of side effects and its form of administration as a viscous drink are important determinants for long-term compliance, which is essential in the management of a chronic progressive disease such as atherosclerosis.