Effects of (1,3), (1,6)-Beta-D-glucan on Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammatory Markers of the Metabolic Syndrome

German Institute of Human Nutrition

Status: Completed

Conditions: Overweight

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: placebo; Dietary Supplement: Beta-D-Glucan

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT00403689

MOW_bGlucan

Details and patient eligibility

About

Insoluble (1,3),(1,6)-beta-D-glucan from bakers yeast are indigestible polysaccharides. Previous studies indicate that the intake of insoluble dietary fiber is strongly associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms leading to this phenomenon are largely unknown.

There are close relations between metabolic and inflammatory pathways, and a number of hormones, cytokines, signal proteins, bioactive lipids, and transcription factors have been shown to be involved in both systems.

Beta-D-glucans have been suggested to play a role as so called biological response modifiers. Studies in animals indicate that even small doses of (1,3),(1,6)-beta-D-glucan may have beneficial effects on immune activity, i.e., by reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors.

The investigators hypothesize that the intake of isolated (1,3), (1,6)-beta-D-glucan from bakers yeast improves inflammatory makers and insulin-sensitivity in overweight subjects with increased C-reactive protein concentrations at baseline.

Enrollment: 11 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT)
• Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
• Impaired fasting glucose (IFG)

Exclusion criteria

• Any severe cardiac disease
• Liver
• Kidney diseases
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Chronical and acute inflammatory diseases
• Lipid lowering drugs
• Cortisone
• Antibiotics
• Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs
• Including low dose acetylsalicylic acid

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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11 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

x

Experimental group

Description:

capsules containing beta glycan

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Beta-D-Glucan

y

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

capsules containing placebo (waxy maize starch)

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: placebo