01.01.06
Indication: Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Source: American Heart Association meeting, Dallas, TX
Research: Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, five-group parallel study to determine the effects of extracted barley beta-glucan on CVD biomarkers. Treatment groups included either low molecular weight (LMW) or high molecular weight (HMW) beta-glucan at both 3- and 5-gram doses. Treatment delivery was both a ready-to-eat cereal and juice given twice daily throughout the six-week study. One hundred and fifty-five generally healthy hypercholesterolemic (LDL-C 130-190 mg/dL) men (n = 76) and women (n = 79) between the ages of 25-73 who completed a four-week diet phase (modified fat diet) were randomly allocated to one of the four treatment groups or control. Additionally, treatment groups were stratified by metabolic status. Fasted blood samples were collected pre- and post-study. Blood lipids and other CVD biomarkers were determined. Patients in the metabolic stratus also participated in a four-hour mixed meal challenge where measures of insulin metabolism were assessed.
Results: Fasted blood lipids were unchanged in the control group. LDL-C was significantly reduced in all treatment groups: 3 grams LMW, 3 grams HMW, 5 grams LMW and 5 grams HMW. In conclusion, both doses of LMW and HMW extracted barley beta-glucan improved blood lipids over a six-week treatment period.
Source: American Heart Association meeting, Dallas, TX
Research: Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, five-group parallel study to determine the effects of extracted barley beta-glucan on CVD biomarkers. Treatment groups included either low molecular weight (LMW) or high molecular weight (HMW) beta-glucan at both 3- and 5-gram doses. Treatment delivery was both a ready-to-eat cereal and juice given twice daily throughout the six-week study. One hundred and fifty-five generally healthy hypercholesterolemic (LDL-C 130-190 mg/dL) men (n = 76) and women (n = 79) between the ages of 25-73 who completed a four-week diet phase (modified fat diet) were randomly allocated to one of the four treatment groups or control. Additionally, treatment groups were stratified by metabolic status. Fasted blood samples were collected pre- and post-study. Blood lipids and other CVD biomarkers were determined. Patients in the metabolic stratus also participated in a four-hour mixed meal challenge where measures of insulin metabolism were assessed.
Results: Fasted blood lipids were unchanged in the control group. LDL-C was significantly reduced in all treatment groups: 3 grams LMW, 3 grams HMW, 5 grams LMW and 5 grams HMW. In conclusion, both doses of LMW and HMW extracted barley beta-glucan improved blood lipids over a six-week treatment period.