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Role of dietary beta-glucans in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome.
- Source :
-
Nutrition reviews [Nutr Rev] 2012 Aug; Vol. 70 (8), pp. 444-58. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- The present review examines the evidence regarding the effect of β-glucan on variables linked to the metabolic syndrome (MetS), including appetite control, glucose control, hypertension, and gut microbiota composition. Appetite control can indirectly influence MetS by inducing a decreased energy intake, and promising results for a β-glucan intake to decrease appetite have been found using gut hormone responses and subjective appetite indicators. Beta-glucan also improves the glycemic index of meals and beneficially influences glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or MetS, as well as in healthy subjects. Furthermore, a blood-pressure-lowering effect of β-glucan in hypertensive subjects seems fairly well substantiated. The gut microbiota composition might be an interesting target to prevent MetS, and preliminary results indicate the prebiotic potential of β-glucan. The evidence that β-glucan influences appetite control and gut microbiota in a positive way is still insufficient or difficult to interpret, and additional studies are needed in this field. Still, much evidence indicates that increased β-glucan intake could prevent MetS. Such evidence should encourage increased efforts toward the development of β-glucan-containing functional foods and promote the intake of β-glucan-rich foods, with the aim of reducing healthcare costs and disease prevalence.<br /> (© 2012 International Life Sciences Institute.)
- Subjects :
- Appetite drug effects
Appetite physiology
Dietary Fiber metabolism
Energy Intake drug effects
Energy Intake physiology
Fermentation
Humans
Satiety Response physiology
beta-Glucans metabolism
Dietary Fiber administration & dosage
Gastrointestinal Tract microbiology
Metabolic Syndrome prevention & control
beta-Glucans administration & dosage
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1753-4887
- Volume :
- 70
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Nutrition reviews
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 22835138
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00494.x