The Effect of Isolated Dietary Fiber Supplements on Markers of Metabolic Diseases in Human Intervention Studies: A Systematic Review (P08-077-19)

Objectives While epidemiological research provides strong evidence for the health benefits of increased dietary fiber (DF) intake, human intervention studies that supplement isolated DFs have shown inconsistent results. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to assess the effect of DF supplementation and the role of DF dose, DF physiochemical properties, intervention duration, and placebo type on immunometabolic markers of disease in intervention studies in healthy adults. Methods We searched several databases for intervention studies published from 1990–2018 that assessed the effect of DF on a range of well-established immunometabolic markers. Eligible studies were those that supplemented isolated DF for >2 weeks as the only intervention in at least one study arm, and reported baseline data to assess the effect of the placebo. Results In total, 77 publications were included. DF supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and insulin area under the curve (AUC) in 36–49% of interventions, while less than 20% reported significant effects on C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), fasting glucose, glucose AUC, fasting insulin, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG). Higher DF doses were more successful in reducing CRP, TC, and LDL (40–63%), higher-viscosity and insoluble DFs for TC and LDL (≥50%), and longer interventions for CRP and glucose (50%). Placebos containing digestible carbohydrates were used in more than half of the studies, and confounded significant results for IL-6, glucose AUC, and insulin AUC. Conclusions The efficacy of isolated DF consumption differs vastly among immunometabolic markers assessed. Our findings suggest that DF supplementation interventions, as currently used, should focus on improving fasting cholesterol levels. However, although more research is needed to draw definitive Conclusions, higher doses, specific DF types, longer interventions, and the use of DF to replace digestible carbohydrates may improve the success of DF interventions. Funding Sources J.W. is a Campus Alberta Innovation Program chair for Nutrition, Microbes, and Gastrointestinal Health and recipient of grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and JPI (healthy diet for a healthy life).

Incorporating Learning Outcomes in Transfer Credit: The Way Forward for Campus Alberta?

Learning outcomes have become an integral part of the global trend in higher education reform and are employed in three interconnected areas: (1) quality assurance, (2) teaching and learning, and (3) transfer credit. The article touches briefly on the first two areas, but focuses discussion on employing learning outcomes in transfer credit. Using Alberta as a case study, its higher education system is examined and assessed, with emphasis on transfer credit, prior learning assessment, student mobility, and system coordination. Both the advantages and limitations of learning outcomes are presented, including balancing the needs of a wide variety of stakeholders. Taking lessons learned from similar international initiatives and an analysis of the Alberta context, the discussion culminates in a proposal for a way forward for this educational jurisdiction, promoting and incorporating learning outcomes as an important component of systematic and transparent method of transfer credit.