Effect of Oat β-Glucan on Affective and Physical Feeling States in Healthy Adults: Evidence for Reduced Headache, Fatigue, Anxiety and Limb/Joint Pains

• Main Authors: Thomas M. S. Wolever, Maike Rahn, El Hadji Dioum, Alexandra L. Jenkins, Adish Ezatagha, Janice E. Campbell, YiFang Chu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: randomized clinical trial; humans; symptoms; gastrointestinal tract; musculo-skeletal system; oats
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/5/1534

The gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects of dietary fibers are recognized, but less is known about their effects on non-GI symptoms. We assessed non-GI symptoms in a trial of the LDL-cholesterol lowering effect of oat β-glucan (OBG). Participants (<i>n</i> = 207) with borderline high LDL-cholesterol were randomized to an OBG (1 g OBG, <i>n</i> = 104, <i>n</i> = 96 analyzed) or Control (<i>n</i> = 103, <i>n</i> = 95 analyzed) beverage 3-times daily for 4 weeks. At screening, baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks participants rated the severity of 16 non-GI symptoms as none, mild, moderate or severe. The occurrence and severity (more or less severe than pre-treatment) were compared using chi-squared and Fisher’s exact test, respectively. During OBG treatment, the occurrence of exhaustion and fatigue decreased versus baseline (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The severity of headache (2 weeks, <i>p</i> = 0.032), anxiety (2 weeks <i>p</i> = 0.059) and feeling cold (4 weeks, <i>p</i> = 0.040) were less on OBG than Control. The severity of fatigue and hot flashes at 4 weeks, limb/joint pain at 2 weeks and difficulty concentrating at both times decreased on OBG versus baseline. High serum c-reactive-protein and changes in c-reactive-protein, oxidized-LDL, and GI-symptom severity were associated with the occurrence and severity of several non-GI symptoms. These data provide preliminary, hypothesis-generating evidence that OBG may reduce several non-GI symptoms in healthy adults.