Cholesterol lowering (heart disease)

Cholesterol is used to form cell membranes, hormones and other essential tissues. An elevated level of cholesterol in the blood leads to arteriosclerosis and is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. Elevated cholesterol levels can be influenced by a change in life style regarding diet, weight and physical activity.

Arteriosclerosis is caused by increased deposition of LDL cholesterol in the wall of the arteries (plaques), where thickening of the artery wall leads to stenosis and if the plaques rupture, it can lead to infarction or stroke. Due to these reasons it is important to control LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. In western countries where life expectancy is high, most deaths come from the result of coronary heart disease. CHD mortality is directly related to cholesterol (LDL and total cholesterol). Oat ß-glucan, is a natural, soluble and non-digestible fiber, which can help control cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between "good" cholesterol (HDL) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL).

The physiological effects of ß-glucan are all related to its water binding capacity and viscosity development. During the digestion process, ß-glucan enhances viscosity of digestive content and, thus, makes the absorption of cholesterol more difficult. A large amount of cholesterol ingested with food cannot be absorbed by the body and is eliminated with the faeces. ß-glucan may also bind bile acids, which are precursors for the synthesis of cholesterol by the body, making them unavailable.

Many studies have demonstrated the cholesterol lowering effects of ß-glucan with doses of around 3 g/day. Under these conditions, a reduction of LDL and total cholesterol of around 15% could be reached.