We analyze peer-reviewed research on supplements.
We rely on peer-reviewed scientific research to determine what’s truly effective. Our goal is to provide clear, unbiased information to help you make better health decisions.
We use AI tools to help summarize studies, and every piece of content is reviewed and approved by qualified experts, ensuring it’s accurate and trustworthy.
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Podcast
Beta Glucan: The Hidden Powerhouse Fiber for a Healthier Heart
Oats, barley, and certain mushrooms contain β-glucans which are fibers and natural molecules that can lower “bad” cholesterol and may help the immune system, but results depend a lot on the product and dose.New
What β-glucans might do for the immune system and heart health depends on their exact structure.New
A daily snack that combines oat β-glucan (3 g) with plant sterols (2 g) lowered “bad” cholesterol more than either ingredient alone in over just 6 weeks.New
In the BELT crossover trial, 3 g/day high-viscosity oat beta-glucan lowered LDL cholesterol over 8 weeks in adults with mild hypercholesterolemia.New
In a 12-week trial, oat β-glucan tablets did not lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and higher doses caused more stomach side effects.New
A fiber called β-glucan can “feed” good gut microbes, strengthen the gut lining, and help improve cholesterol.New
A daily shiitake-mushroom fiber drink was safe and changed gut bacteria a little but didn’t lower cholesterol after 8 weeks.New
A higher-molecular-weight barley fiber (β-glucan) changed gut bacteria in ways linked to better heart health-associated markers.New
Treating gum disease with a yeast-fiber supplement protected aging rats’ heart arteries from “lining” damageNew
A Yeast Beta Glucan (β-glucan) Capsule Supplement Reduces the Severity of Cold Symptoms in Immunocompromised AdultsNew
- Cicero A randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Medium-Term Effects of Oat Fibers on Human Health: The Beta-Glucan Effects on Lipid Profile, Glycemia and inTestinal Health (BELT) Study 2020
- Matthews Global Review of Heart Health Claims for Oat Beta-Glucan Products 2020
- SENGÜL Therapeutic and Functional Properties of Beta-Glucan and Its Effects on Health 2022
- Tosh Emerging Science on Benefits of Whole Grain Oat and Barley and Their Soluble Dietary Fibers for Heart Health, Glycemic Response, and Gut Microbiota 2020
- Yu Effects of Oat Beta-Glucan Intake on Lipid Profiles in Hypercholesterolemic Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials 2022
- Metin Beta-glucan: A powerful antioxidant to overcome cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity in rats 2022
- Wang Natural Polysaccharide β-Glucan Protects against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Suppressing Oxidative Stress 2022
- Roy Beta-glucan protects against isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling by regulating the ACE-AT1R axis and attenuates cardiac inflammation and apoptosis 2023
- Raj Oat Beta-Glucan Alone and in Combination with Hydrochlorothiazide Lowers High Blood Pressure in Male but Not Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats 2023
- Hughes Oat and Barley in the Food Supply and Use of Beta Glucan Health Claims 2021
- Dharsono Effects of Yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-Beta-Glucan on Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Subjects 2019
- Silva Experimental Periodontal Disease Triggers Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Middle-Aged Rats: Preventive Effect of a Prebiotic β-Glucan 2021
- Wang High Molecular Weight Barley β-Glucan Alters Gut Microbiota Toward Reduced Cardiovascular Disease Risk 2016
- Morales Modulation of human intestinal microbiota in a clinical trial by consumption of a β-D-glucan-enriched extract obtained from Lentinula edodes 2021
- Singh β- glucans: a potential source for maintaining gut microbiota and the immune system 2023
- Rioux-Labrecque Supplementation with a β-glucan tablet has no effect on hyperlipidemia: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial 2023
- Ferguson High molecular weight oat β-glucan enhances lipid-lowering effects of phytosterols. A randomised controlled trial 2020
- Wouk β-Glucans as a panacea for a healthy heart? Their roles in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases 2021
- Murphy β-Glucan Metabolic and Immunomodulatory Properties and Potential for Clinical Application 2020