Which statement best describes the soluble fiber's effect on LDL cholesterol and glycemic control?

Which statement best describes the soluble fiber's effect on LDL cholesterol and glycemic control?

• A. Insoluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol.
• B. Soluble fiber has no effect on glycemic control.
• C. Soluble fiber improves glycemic control but does not affect satiety.
• D. Soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol and helps with glycemic control; insoluble fiber supports bowel regularity; both can enhance satiety.

Answer: (C)

Soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol and improves glycemic control because it forms a viscous gel in the digestive tract. That gel binds bile acids and reduces their reabsorption, which nudges the liver to use more cholesterol to make bile, dropping LDL levels. At the same time, this gel slows the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed, leading to steadier post-meal blood glucose and better glycemic control. Fiber also affects satiety. The gel and the bulk from fiber can delay gastric emptying and promote fullness, so fiber in general can help with satiety. Insoluble fiber mainly adds bulk and supports bowel regularity. Putting it together, the statement that best describes soluble fiber’s effect on LDL cholesterol and glycemic control—and acknowledges the role of insoluble fiber for bowel regularity and the potential to enhance satiety—is that soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol and helps with glycemic control, while insoluble fiber supports regularity and both types can contribute to satiety.

Soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol and improves glycemic control because it forms a viscous gel in the digestive tract. That gel binds bile acids and reduces their reabsorption, which nudges the liver to use more cholesterol to make bile, dropping LDL levels. At the same time, this gel slows the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed, leading to steadier post-meal blood glucose and better glycemic control.

Fiber also affects satiety. The gel and the bulk from fiber can delay gastric emptying and promote fullness, so fiber in general can help with satiety. Insoluble fiber mainly adds bulk and supports bowel regularity. Putting it together, the statement that best describes soluble fiber’s effect on LDL cholesterol and glycemic control—and acknowledges the role of insoluble fiber for bowel regularity and the potential to enhance satiety—is that soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol and helps with glycemic control, while insoluble fiber supports regularity and both types can contribute to satiety.