Feeling Full, Naturally: The Science Behind Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber that has been studied for its effects on appetite regulation and metabolic health.

By forming a viscous gel in the gut, beta-glucan slows gastric emptying, modulates glucose absorption, and stimulates gut-derived satiety hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY1,2,3. These mechanisms collectively contribute to prolonged feelings of fullness and reduced cravings, making beta-glucan a valuable dietary component for appetite control and weight management.

-Dr. Heather Logan-Sprenger, PhD, Associate Professor & Scientific Advisor

1.    Wolever, T. M. S., Tosh, S. M., Spruill, S. E., Jenkins, A. L., Ezatagha, A., Duss, R., Johnson, J., Chu, Y., & Steinert, R. E. (2020). Increasing oat β-glucan viscosity in a breakfast meal slows gastric emptying and reduces glycemic and insulinemic responses but has no effect on appetite, food intake, or plasma ghrelin and PYY responses in healthy humans: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 111(2), 319–328. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqz285

    2.    Revheim, I., Ballance, S., Standal, A. F., Rieder, A., Dierkes, J., Buyken, A. E., Gilja, O. H., Hausken, T., & Rosendahl-Riise, H. (2024). The acute effect of a β-glucan-enriched oat bread on gastric emptying, GLP-1 response, and postprandial glycaemia and insulinemia: a randomized crossover trial in healthy adults. Nutrition & Metabolism, 21(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-024-00789-w

    3.    Mio, K., Iida-Tanaka, N., Yamanaka, C., Kimura, I., & Aoe, S. (2022). Arabinoxylan as well as β-glucan in barley promotes GLP-1 secretion by increasing short-chain fatty acids production. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 632, 101343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101343