Beta-glucan Effects on Lipid Profile, Glycemia and inTestinal Health (BELT)

Randomised Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Assess the Medium-term Effect of 3 g/Day of a Beta-glucan on Lipid Profile, Glycemia and Intestinal Health, in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Subjects

This will be a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial carried out on moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects who will consume 3 g per day of beta-glucans, in order to evaluate the effects on lipid profile, glycemia and intestinal function

In order to assess the mid term effects of beta-glucans on lipid profile, glycemia and intestinal function, moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects will be involved in a cross-over study and supplemented for 8 weeks with 3 g/day of beta-glucans or placebo. The two intervention periods will be spaced by a 4 week washout period

Inclusion Criteria:

• Total cholesterol between 200 and 240 mg/dL and/or LDL cholesterol between 130 and 190 mg/dL
• Triglycerides lower than 200 mg/dL
• Cardiovascular risk at 10 years lower than 10%
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Secondary prevention for cardiovascular diseases
• TG > 400 mg/dL, HDL-C < 35 mg/dL
• BMI higher than 30
• Assumption of lipid lowering drug or supplement with fibre or probiotics during the last 2 months
• Alcohol abuse
• Food allergy
• Alterations in thyroid, liver, or kidney functions, muscle diseases
• Diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome or chronic disturbed gut function