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β-glucans reduce LDL cholesterol in patients with myasthenia gravis

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 67, pages 226–227 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

We aimed at evaluating whether β-glucans could improve low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and/or glycemic control in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), in whom statins usually have muscle-related side effects. Fifty-nine MG patients participated in the study and received a daily dietary supplement of 3 g of β-glucans during 8 weeks. Body mass index (BMI) and blood sample analysis of lipid and glucose status were performed before and after 8 weeks intake of β-glucans. In the 52 patients who completed the study, there was a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, ApoA1 and ApoB (all P<0.003). However, glycemic control and BMI were unaltered. The present study indicates that 8 weeks daily intake of 3 g of β-glucans significantly reduces total cholesterol, LDL, ApoA1 and ApoB in MG patients. β-glucans may therefore be of value in improving lipid status in MG patients, without the muscle-related side effects accompanied by statins.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Lille-Mor Jansson, nurse at the Neurology Clinic, Uppsala University Hospital.

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  1. Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

    L Haggård, M Andersson & A R Punga

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  1. L Haggård
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  2. M Andersson
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  3. A R Punga
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Correspondence to A R Punga.

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Haggård, L., Andersson, M. & Punga, A. β-glucans reduce LDL cholesterol in patients with myasthenia gravis. Eur J Clin Nutr 67, 226–227 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2012.191

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