New Fat Substitute Can Cut Cholesterol by 10%, Research Group Says

U.S. scientists and a commercial baker have developed a fat substitute that they say could make cookies, cakes and ice cream healthful as well as tasty. The group told a national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston that Nu-Trim--”nutritional technological research involving metabolism”--can cut cholesterol by 10% and could be on store shelves in about a year.

Made from oats, Nu-Trim contains high concentrations of beta-glucans, soluble fibers that reduce cholesterol, a factor in heart disease. “We’re talking about 3 grams of soluble fiber a day to cut cholesterol--that’s four cookies,” said group member David Busken, a commercial baker. He cited research showing that 3 grams of fiber daily can cut blood cholesterol by 4% to 10%.

Compiled by Times medical writer Thomas H. Maugh II