β-Glucans and the Metabolic Syndrome - a Human Intervention Study Under BEST

Objective:

The primary aim is to examine whether consumption of oat and two different barley β-glucans exhibits hypocholesterolemic effects and to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Secondary aims are to investigate whether there are also effects on blood pressure, appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity, hemostasis, low-grade inflammation and the metabolic profile of different biological materials.

Intervention:

In each of the 4 intervention periods the participants drink a milk drink together with their three main meals for 21 days. This way they consume 5g β-glucan/d form either oat or barley in the three treatment periods, otherwise they maintain their habitual diet. They are not, however, allowed to eat any oat- or barley-containing products during the trial.

At the beginning and at the end of each intervention period the participants' blood pressure is measured and a fasting blood sample is drawn.

Further they collect feces for 72 hours and urine for 24 hours before and at the end of each intervention period.

Before and at the end of each intervention period a 4-hour meal test is undertaken to measure their subject appetite sensation. Here at first a fasting blood samples drawn and thereafter the milk drink is served. Appetite sensation is assessed every 30 min for 4 hours. Also blood samples are drawn at 2 hours and 4 hours at the meal tests which takes place before each intervention period.

At the subsequent "ad libitum" lunch meal the food intake is measured and then a final appetite registration is made.

Furthermore participants make 4-d food records before and at the end of each intervention period.

Inclusion criteria

• normal weight or moderately overweight (BMI 18.5-30 kg/m²)

Exclusion criteria

• chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
• elevated blood pressure
• hyperlipidemia
• consumption of dietary supplements during or 2 month prior to start of study (including vitamin tablets)
• consumption of oat and barley products from January 1st until the end of study
• smoking
• excess physical activity (> 8h/week)
• medicine use (not included contraceptives or occasional pain killer consumption)
• pregnancy
• breast feeding