Barley Beta-glucan, Glycemic Control, and Appetite

Barley Beta-glucan, Glycemic Control, and Appetite

Novel barley varieties high in the soluble fiber β-glucan have the capacity to improve population health through improving glycemic control. Sweetened and unsweetened wholegrain barley foods were tested in a randomized, controlled, crossover human clinical trial to assess impact on postprandial appetite and food intake.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-50 years of age
• Body Mass Index (BMI) values of 18.5-40.0 kg/m2
• Normal fasting blood glucose (<100 mg/dL)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of medications known to be associated with weight change (e.g., beta-blockers)
• Use of steroid pills or shots such as prednisone or cortisone
• Use of nicotine
• Weight change of ten or more pounds in the last three months
• Major daily variation in physical activity (e.g., athletes in training)
• History of extensive small bowel surgery or surgery to treat obesity
• History of heart attack, stroke, or bypass
• History of cancer within the last five years (exception: non-melanoma skin cancer)
• Recent or current medical diagnosis or medical treatment that would alter appetite, energy needs, satiety, and/or could impact the results of the trial
• Medical diagnoses of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high levels of blood lipids, asthma, cold, and flu (exception: hypertension, if treated with medication prescribed more than three months prior to the screening activity)
• Fear of blood or needles
• Dietary restrictions that would interfere with consuming test foods (e.g., gluten intolerance, vegan, corn syrup allergy)
• Following a weight modification diet
• Sensitive to food textures present in the test foods
• Following personal schedules that would not permit attendance at all scheduled testing sessions
• Unable to comprehend the nature of the trial or instructions
• Unable to understand English sufficiently to complete the trial