The effect of wheat fibre on plasma lipids and faecal steroid excretion in man

1. The effect of isoenergetic substitution of bran and wholemeal bread for white flour and white bread was investigated in six healthy volunteers in a metabolic unit. 2. A 21 d high-fibre experimental period was preceded and followed by a 14 d control period, so that each experiment lasted 7 weeks. Blood samples were taken on each of the last 3 d and faeces collected (using carmine markers) for the last 6 d of each diet period. 3. Plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and serum calcium concentrations were not altered by the addition of wheat fibre. 4. Wheat fibre caused a significant increase in faecal bulk and frequency. Faecal steroid excretion was the same in the last week of the first control and the high-fibre periods but increased in the subsequent control period.