Date of Award
2-2026
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence-based medicine review is to determine whether daily consumption of approximately 3 g of oat-derived β-glucan reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with elevated or borderline-high LDL-C when compared with a β-glucan–free control.
STUDY DESIGN: Review of three double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2020 to 2021.
DATA SOURCES: All RCTs were published in English in peer-reviewed journals and identified using PubMed. Articles were selected based on relevance to the clinical question, inclusion of adult populations with elevated LDL-C, and evaluation of oat-derived β-glucan as an intervention.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary outcome measured across all studies was change in fasting LDL-C levels from baseline to the end of the intervention period. LDL-C was measured using standard laboratory lipid panels following intervention durations ranging from four to eight weeks.
RESULTS: All three RCTs demonstrated statistically significant reductions in LDL-C following daily consumption of approximately 3 g of oat-derived β-glucan compared with control interventions. Wolever et al. reported a mean LDL-C reduction of approximately 0.21 mmol/L (~6%) after 4 weeks (p < 0.001). Cicero et al. demonstrated LDL-C reductions of 12.2% at 4 weeks and 15.1% at 8 weeks (p < 0.01). Ferguson et al. reported an LDL-C reduction of 8.6% following 6 weeks of β-glucan consumption (p < 0.001). All studies demonstrated consistent LDL-C reduction favoring β-glucan supplementation.
CONCLUSION: The evidence reviewed supports that daily consumption of approximately 3 g of oat-derived β-glucan reduces LDL-C in adults with elevated or borderline-high LDL-C. β-glucan may serve as an effective adjunctive nonpharmacologic intervention for LDL-C management, particularly in patients seeking lifestyle-based approaches. Additional long-term studies are needed to evaluate sustained LDL-C reduction and cardiovascular outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Enderson, Marilyn K., "In adults with elevated or borderline-high LDL cholesterol levels, does daily consumption of oat-derived products providing approximately 3 g of β-glucan reduce LDL cholesterol?" (2026). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 678.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/678