Effect of Alpha Tocopherol and Psyllium on Lipid Levels in Dyslipidaemia Patients

The present study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial which was conducted to check for any improvement in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels of patients after giving them intervention through alpha tocopherol alone and combination therapy (alpha tocopherol and psyllium) for 60 days. There is an increasing prevalence of dyslipidaemia especially in developing countries such as Pakistan in which unhealthy food consumption combined with sedentary lifestyle has led to increased levels of total blood cholesterol and triglycerides known as dyslipidaemia. Dyslipidaemia is a risk factor contributing to progression of cardiovascular disease. Dietary supplements such as psyllium husk and antioxidants such as Vitamin E are known to improve blood lipid profile levels in patients receiving this therapy.60 participants after meeting inclusion criteria for the study were randomly assigned into three study groups using computer generated: Group A participants treated with alpha-tocopherol, Group B participants treated with combination therapy and Group C receiving a placebo. Statistical analysis was done using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni. Level of significance 'p value' < 0.05 is considered statistically significant whereas for Bonferroni, level of significance 'p value' <0.167 is considered statistically significant.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants' age is between 40 to 60 years
• Total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL and
• Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
• Not receiving lipid-lowering therapy

Exclusion criteria

Participants were excluded from the study if they:

• Had any other non-communicable disease (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic kidney disease)
• Were using statins, fibrates, beta-blockers, or antioxidant supplements
• Had Familial hyperlipidemia