Viscous dietary fibers including oat β-glucan are one of the most effective classes of functional food ingredients for reducing postprandial blood glucose. The mechanism of action is thought to be via an increase in viscosity of the stomach contents that delays gastric emptying and reduces mixing of food with digestive enzymes, which, in turn, retards glucose absorption. Previous studies suggest that taking viscous fibers separate from a meal may not be effective in reducing postprandial glycemia. The purpose of this study is to re-assess the effect of consuming a preload of a commercially available oat-bran (4.5, 13.6 or 27.3 g) containing 22% of high molecular weight oat β-glucan (O22) mixed in water before a test-meal of white bread on glycemic responses in 10 healthy humans.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy subjects

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Recent medical or surgical hospitalization
• Use of drugs influencing glucose metabolism
• Use of drugs influencing gastrointestinal function
• Allergy to oats or wheat