NANP Board Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the NANP Board Exam. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and comprehensive quizzes. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness for the exam!

Practice this question and more.

Which fibers are classified as functional fibers due to their ability to lower blood cholesterol levels?

Psyllium
B-glucans
Resistant dextrin
Guar gum

The correct answer is: B-glucans

The correct answer is B-glucans, which are a type of soluble fiber found in significant amounts in oats and barley. B-glucans are known for their unique capability to interact with cholesterol in the digestive system. They form a gel-like substance that binds to bile acids, which are made from cholesterol. This process encourages the liver to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, thereby lowering the overall cholesterol levels in the blood. Psyllium is another soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol, but B-glucans have established properties in clinical studies specifically highlighting their effects. Guar gum also has some ability to lower cholesterol, but it is not as prominently recognized for this function as B-glucans. Resistant dextrin, while beneficial for digestive health, does not have the same level of evidence supporting its role in cholesterol management. Therefore, B-glucans stands out as the most significant functional fiber regarding cholesterol lowering.