The Hypocholesterolemic Effects of β-Glucan in Oatmeal and Oat Bran

Abstract

Oat cereals rich in the water-soluble fiber beta-glucan have been studied as a dietary therapy for hypercholesterolemia. To determine the hypocholesterolemic response of beta-glucan in the diet, 156 adults with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels above 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) or between 3.37 and 4.14 mmol/L (130 and 160 mg/dL) with multiple risk factors were randomized to one of seven groups. Six groups received either oatmeal or oat bran at doses (dry weight) of 28 g (1 oz), 56 g (2 oz), and 84 g (3 oz). A seventh group received 28 g of farina (beta-glucan control). At week 6 of treatment, significant differences were found for both total cholesterol and LDL-C levels among the farina control and the treatment groups who were receiving 84 g of oatmeal, 56 g of oat bran, and 84 g of oat bran, with decreases in LDL-C levels of 10.1%, 15.9%, and 11.5%, respectively. Fifty-six grams of oat bran resulted in significantly greater reductions in LDL-C levels than 56 g of oatmeal. Nutrient analysis shows no difference in dietary fat content between these treatment groups; therefore, the higher beta-glucan content of oat bran most likely explains the significantly greater LDL-C reductions. A dose-dependent reduction in LDL-C levels with oat cereals supports the independent hypocholesterolemic effects of beta-glucan.

Cereal grains and coronary heart disease

“…In the majority of reports (Table 4) there appears to be a tendency to a dose-response effect, though even in the bestdesigned trial (Davidson et al, 1991) this was rather inconsistent. Two estimates have been published of the size of the average cholesterol-lowering effect.…”

The inheritance of β-glucan concentration in three oat (Avena sativa L.) crosses

“…Of particular interest has been the effects of oat soluble fibers in reducing cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic patients (de Groot et al 1963;Anderson et al 1984), their effects on blood sugar levels, especially insulin needs in diabetic patients (Jenkins et al 1981;Wood et al 1988), and their impact on cancer of the colon and related gastrointestinal disorders (National Research Council 1989). These beneficial effects have been primarily attributed to 1→3, 1→4-β-D-glucans (Davidson et al 1991).…”

Significance of coarse cereals in health and nutrition: a review

“…There is an average reduction of 11% in the plasma total on consumption of 140 g of rolled oats (Poinerou et al 2001). The FDA claim for oat determined that an effective daily intake of β-glucan for controlling serum cholesterol level is 3 g. This can differ among different individuals and depends upon initial cholesterol content of the subject (Davidson et al 1991). Awika and Rooney (2004) reported that guinea pig fed with 58% low tannin sorghum was more beneficial in lowering cholesterol than rolled oats, wheat or pearl millet.…”