Effects of cactus fiber on the excretion of dietary fat in healthy subjects: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical investigation

Ralf Uebelhack, Regina Busch, Felix Alt, Zhi-Ming Beah, Pee-Win Chong, Ralf Uebelhack, Regina Busch, Felix Alt, Zhi-Ming Beah, Pee-Win Chong

Abstract

Background: Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) fiber was shown to promote weight loss in a 3-month clinical investigation. As demonstrated by in vitro studies, cactus fiber binds to dietary fat and its use results in reduced absorption, which in turn leads to reduced energy absorption and ultimately the reduction of body weight.

Objective: The objective of our study was to elucidate the dietary fat binding capacity of cactus fiber through determination of fecal fat excretion in healthy volunteers.

Subjects and methods: This clinical investigation was performed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in healthy subjects for a period of approximately 45 days. Twenty healthy volunteer subjects were randomized to receive cactus fiber or placebo, 2 tablets thrice daily with main meals. All subjects were provided with meals during the study period (except washout) according to a standardized meal plan, with 35% of daily energy need coming from fat. Two 24-hour feces samples were collected during both the baseline and treatment periods for analysis of the fat content.

Results: Cactus fiber showed an increased fecal fat excretion compared with placebo (mean [SD] = 15.79% [5.79%] vs 4.56% [3.09%]; P < 0.001). No adverse events were reported throughout the study period.

Conclusions: Cactus fiber has been shown to significantly promote fecal fat excretion in healthy adults. The results of our study support the hypothesis that cactus fiber helps in reducing body weight by binding to dietary fat and increasing its excretion, thus reducing dietary fat available for absorption. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01590667.

Keywords: Opuntia ficus-indica; dietary fat; fat binding; fat excretion; obesity; weight management.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Clinical trial study schedule comparing and analyzing the fecal fat extraction effect of cactus fiber. There were 6 clinical visits (V1–V6) throughout the study period. V1 = screening + blood sampling; V2 = Baseline 1 (subjects were given a standardized meal, with placebo); V3 = subjects compliant to the meal plan and investigational product regimen were randomized to receive cactus fiber or placebo and a 7-day washout period followed; V4 = baseline 2 (similar to Baseline 1); V5 = subjects compliant to the meal plan and investigational product regimen were crossed over to the second treatment arm; V6 = blood sampling. Stool was collected on both Day 5 and Day 6, or Day 6 and Day 7 of baseline and intervention period. IP = investigational product.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Subject flow diagram. Twenty-one subjects were screened and 20 subjects were randomized. All 20 subjects were included in the analysis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percentage of dietary fat excreted (in relation to total fat intake). Error bar represents 1 standard error of mean. With cactus fiber, mean (SD) 15.79% (5.79%) of fat was excreted, in comparison with placebo, which contributed 4.56% (3.09%) of fat excretion (P < 0.001). *Significant difference.

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