 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Study Implications
Eating three cups of Cheerios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, is effective in reducing elevated blood cholesterol levels. The findings of this study show that eating Cheerios each day is a simple and practical approach to helping reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Description of Subjects and Criteria
135 men and women, ages 40-70 years, with mild to moderate elevated blood cholesterol (average LDL cholesterol levels of 130-190 mg/dl and mean triglycerides not exceeding 300 mg/dl) participated in a 12-week randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
Study Summary
All participants followed the NCEP Step One diet (30% calories from fat, 10% calories from saturated fat and less than 300 mg of cholesterol) for 6 weeks. Following this pre-treatment period, participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group.
In the 6-week intervention, all participants continued on the Step One diet.
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
The treatment group ate a total of 3 ounces of Cheerios; 1-1/2 ounces twice a day. Three ounces of whole grain oat Cheerios provides 3 grams of soluble fiber. The control group ate 3 ounces of cornflakes, containing no soluble fiber. The diet otherwise remained stable.
Compared to the control group, participants in the treatment group lowered their total cholesterol an average of 9.1 mg/dl (3.8%). Additionally, LDL (bad) cholesterol and Apolipoprotein B levels decreased an average of 6.7 mg/dl (4.2%) and 5.7 mg/dl (4.6%) compared to baseline values. Cheerios did not significantly affect HDL (good) cholesterol, body weight or calorie intake.
|
|
|
 |
|
|