Soluble Oat Extracts Improve Glucose Response in Hypocholesterolemic Men and Women

The purpose of the study was to determine whether moderate amounts of oat beta-glucan could be incorporated into typical diets while helping patients effect risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes. Researchers measured the impact of oat beta-glucans on blood glucose and insulin responses. Both men and women test subjects were used. Ages 38-61 qualified for the study. The participants had normal diets with moderately high cholesterol. One focus of the study was to determine whether practical levels of oat beta-glucans could be introduced and still realize any health effect. This was important since it would be pointless to prove impractical amounts of oat beta-glucan made a difference. Put another way, can people really benefit from oats using an amoutn realistic for them to eat?

Seven men and sixteen women were used for the research. Participants graduated their diet from typical in week 1, to a cross-over design (week 5) which included an oat extract, containing 10% beta-glucan. Oat extracts were used in baked goods, canned fruits, juices, yogurt, puddng, meatloaf, and soups. Beta-glucan concentrated was used in the food to replace fats and carbohydrates. One group was fed a diet containing a 1% beta-glucan concentrate. While others took the 10% beta-glucan concentrate.

Both the male and female participants experienced lower glucose respones after taking the oat beta-glucan extract. Participants who took the 10% beta-glucan concentrate experienced the greatest difference. The study results illustrated how even modest amounts of oat extracts can be beneficial to glucose tolerance.