Background: Water-soluble dietary fibres are widely used in preventive and curative nutrition, especially in cases of hyperlipoproteinemia. Occurrence of disturbances of the electrolyte and trace element metabolism causing adverse effects in long-term treatment with pectin can be theoretically substantiated.
Methods: Seventy three patients with hyperlipoproteinemia, aged from 40 to 69 years, were included in the study. They were treated with a natural product, based on high-esterified pectin granulated with sorbitol. The patients were examined prior to the treatment and once monthly during the three-month course of therapy.
Results: The results of the comparative assessment of the electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, ionised calcium, total and ionised magnesium) failed to reach statistical significance during the administration of the pectin product. Neither did the serum level of trace elements (iron and copper) change significantly during the observed period.
Conclusions: The biochemical analysis of the serum level of certain electrolytes and trace elements indicate that daily administration of 15 g of high-esterified apple pectin for a three-month period has no adverse effects. Therefore pectin products can be included in the therapeutic schedule in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia.