"FIBRESONIC® MORE EFFECTIVE THAN "METAMUCIL®" Year long Clinical Study reveals wonderful results using Matol’s fiber supplement Fibresonic®Dr. Tapan K. Basu, Professor, Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta, recently completed Phase I (Clinical Study) of a two part Dietary Fiber Study. The following is a brief synopsis: INTRODUCTION Dietary fiber can be divided into two main categories - water-soluble and water insoluble. Inadequate fiber intake has been linked to a variety of diseases, including bowel disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Only a few commercially available fiber supplements contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. This study was undertaken to compare the potential health benefits of Fibresonic® (both types of fiber) with that of Psyllium, a hydrophilic mucilloid consisting of only soluble fiber (Metamucil®). CLINICAL STUDY: PHASE I A. PROCEDURES A total of 23 subjects were recruited, all of which were over the age of 50. Focus was placed on subjects who, to some degree had a problem with constipation and an above average serum cholesterol level. Subjects were given the two fiber supplements (Fibresonic® and Metamucil®), each for periods of approximately 30 days in random order. The two periods of fiber feeding were separated by 28 days without fiber supplement (washout period). The subjects were instructed to eat their regular diet during the entire experimental period. B. RESULTS 1. Colonic Function The study revealed that the daily stool volume increased by Fibresonic supplementation in 4 out of 5 subjects (80%), while the Metamucil® supplementation resulted in an increased stool volume in 3 out of 6 subjects (50%). The study also indicated that 4 out of 5 subjects who had an increased stool volume due to Fibresonic® intake, experienced a decreased bowel transit time. The transit time was decreased in three out of six subjects taking Metamucil® as a fiber supplement. 2. Hypocholesterolemic Action Twelve subjects were recruited for this study. Neither the Fibresonic® nor the Metamucil® had any effect on the plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol or triglycerides. However, Fibresonic® resulted in an elevation of the HDL-cholesterol level (15%). CONCLUSIONS A. Colon Function To a select group of subjects (50+), daily supplementation with one serving of Fibresonic® containing 11g of soluble and insoluble fiber for 30 days revealed an appreciable increase in stool volume and a decreased bowel transit time. These results clearly indicate that Fibresonic® could be used for an effective alleviation from constipation. In this respect, Fibresonic® is more effective than Metamucil®. B. Cholesterol-lowering Action Neither Fibresonic® nor Metamucil® had a positive effect on the plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triyglycerides. However, HDL-cholesterol (a protective factor against coronary heart disease, CHD) was significantly increased by Fibresonic® supplementation for 30 days. *Metamucil® is made by G.D. Searle & Co. Searle does not make or license Fibresonic®.