1: Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005 May;59(5):723-6. 

Effects of oligofructose on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with
nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: results of a pilot study.

Daubioul CA, Horsmans Y, Lambert P, Danse E, Delzenne NM.

Unit of Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism, Nutrition and Toxicology, Universite
Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.

OBJECTIVE: In experimental animals, recent results suggest that the addition of
inulin-type fructans such as oligofructose (OFS) in the diet decreases
triacylglycerol accumulation in the liver tissue. Therefore, we have
investigated the effect of daily ingestion of OFS in seven patients with
nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), confirmed by liver biopsies. DESIGN: They
received 16 g/day OFS or maltodextrine (placebo) for 8 weeks in a randomized
double-blind crossover design. Energy intake, body composition, liver steatosis
and blood parameters were analysed after 4 and 8 weeks of dietary
supplementation. RESULTS: Compared to placebo, OFS decreased significantly serum
aminotransferases, aspartate aminotransferase after 8 weeks, and insulin level
after 4 weeks, but this could not be related to significant effect on plasma
lipids. CONCLUSION: This pilot study supports the putative interest of OFS in
the management of liver diseases associated with abnormal lipid accumulation in
humans.

Publication Types:
    Clinical Trial
    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 15770222 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]