Cereal β-glucans in diet and health

The native mixed linkage β-glucan of cereals is classified as a soluble dietary fibre, with rheological properties generally similar to guar gum and other random coil polysaccharides. The ability of oat and barley products to attenuate postprandial glycemic and insulinemic response is related to content of (1→3)(1→4)-β-d-glucan (β-glucan) and viscosity. A role of viscosity of β-glucan has not been directly demonstrated for lowering of serum cholesterol levels, and not all studies report a statistically significant lowering. The wide range of effectiveness reported may partially be explained by the properties of the β-glucan in the diets used, as well as the dose.