Beta-Glucan Soluble Fiber Improves Insulin Sensitivity

MINNEAPOLISAccording to a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, parallel group trial published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism, 6 g/d of barley beta-glucan (BBG; as Barliv from Cargill) consumed in a beverage over 12 weeks may improve insulin sensitivity among hyperglycemic individuals with no prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and who experience no change in body weight.

Since this study demonstrated that barley betafiber improved glycemic parameters despite no change in body weight, this suggests that it may have glycemic benefits in humans beyond effects of weight loss," said lead researcher, Harold Bays, M.D.

The study evaluated 50 generally healthy subjects without prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (44 completers), who were administered beverages containing placebo (control), lower dose (3 g/d) or higher dose (6 g/d) reduced viscosity BBG extract. Subjects (68% women) mean age 56 years, body mass index (BMI) 32 kg/m2 and baseline fasting plasma glucose 102 mg/dl were instructed to follow a weight-maintaining Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet and consumed three 11-ounce study beverages daily with meals for 12 weeks. The four primary study endpoint measures were plasma glucose and insulin [each fasting and post-Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT)].

Compared to placebo, administration of 3 g/d of BBG over 12 weeks significantly reduced glucose iAUC (incremental Area Under the Curve) measures during OGTT; and 6 g/d of BBG over 12 weeks significantly reduced fasting insulin, as well as the related homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Beverages were generally well tolerated with no serious adverse experiences, and no significant differences between groups for adverse experiences.

Individuals in the clinical trial who consumed 6g/day of Barliv barley betafiber also had a 3.9% reduction of body fat in the hips, buttocks and thighs, despite maintaining their weight during the study as instructed.

Barliv already is backed by a FDA Health Claim that says consuming 3g of beta-glucan soluble fiber per day from barley betafiber may reduce the risk of heart disease.