What is β-glucan?

β-glucan is found in every living organism. It is a linear polysaccharide made up entirely of sequences of (1à4) linked D-glucopyranosyl units separated by single (1à3)- β-linked unit.

They are carbohydrates consisting of linked glucose molecule with a molecular mass between 50 and 2,300 kDa.

β-glucan is a cell wall polysaccharide constituent found in the endosperm and in the subaleurone layer of oats and barley.

The typical range of β-glucan in oat bran is from 5.5 to 9.0 percent and in barley bran from 4.0 to 8.5 percent.

These cell wall molecules are very large, water soluble, and produce viscous worts if not sufficiently reduced in size by hydrolysis.

The soluble fiber content of oat, especially β-glucan, like many other polysaccharides is generally believed to be responsible for its beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease and certain cancer.

Some studies have suggested that some health promotion capabilities of oats are due to its antioxidants as well as β-glucan.

Oat bran and oat products have captured the attention of both industry and the scientific community because the soluble β-glucans abundant in oat bran have been shown to have cholesterol effects in rats and humans. It may reduce total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.
What is β-glucan?