The Effects of Beta-glucan Enriched Oatcake Consumption on Metabolic Disease Risk Factors

An Investigation of the Effects of Consuming Oatcakes Containing 4g of Oat Beta-glucan on Physiological Parameters in Individuals at Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to determine whether daily consumption of soluble fibre, oat beta glucan (4g), for six weeks will have any impact on overweight/obese individuals in terms of risk factors used to define metabolic disease.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether daily consumption oat beta glucan (4g) for six weeks will have any impact on overweight/obese individuals in terms of risk factors used to define metabolic disease.

Oat beta-glucan has been incorporated into a novel oatcake product manufactured by Nairn's Oatcakes Ltd. Consumption of the oatcake products will deliver enough oat-beta glucan to the diet to meet European Food Safety Authority health claims for lowering blood cholesterol and reducing post-prandial glycaemic responses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females 18 years and older
• Waist circumference measurements of ≥94cm for males and 80cm for females, or a body mass index of ≥30kg/m2
• Individuals who are able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Postmenopausal females
• Smokers
• Individuals who suffer from, or taking medication for, cardiovascular or gastro-intestinal disease
• Impaired glucose tolerance/Diabetes mellitus
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Those who have high dietary fibre intakes (>20g/day)
• Known food allergies to oats, wheat, lactose, or sesame seeds