Effects of oat gum on blood cholesterol levels in healthy young men.
OBJECTIVE
There is much evidence that oat products lower serum lipid concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic subjects. This effect has been attributed to the soluble fibre component of oat (1-->3)(1-->4)-beta-D-glucan. Therefore, the practical role of oat bran beta-glucan on serum lipid indices was examined.


METHODS
A metabolically controlled, randomised, single-blind, cross-over study.


METHODS
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Food Science and University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.


METHODS
14 healthy young men, selected from university staff and students.


METHODS
After a 1-week run-in period subjects were randomly assigned to a test group (oat gum instant whip, 9 g beta-glucan/day) or a control group (placebo instant whip) for 14 days. After completing the first diet, subjects switched to the other diet for 14 days. The study was strictly metabolically controlled. Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations.


RESULTS
The dietary intake of the two groups was not significantly different. The body weights and physical activities of the subjects did not change significantly during the study. No statistically significant effect of the oat gum could be detected on serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. HDL cholesterol was significantly higher (P < 0.05) during the test period.


CONCLUSIONS
The cholesterol-lowering capacity of oat gum in healthy young men is weak. The effect of oat bran preparations on serum cholesterol levels cannot be estimated by the beta-glucan content but by measurement of the solubility and viscosity of the beta-glucan.
Beer
M U
MU
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Food Science, Zurich.
Arrigoni
E
E
Amadò
R
R
D000328:Adult; D018554:Avena; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005936:Glucans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005936:Glucans; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol