Strong evidenceHeart & metabolic

Barley Beta-Glucan

The soluble fibre from barley, one of the few supplement ingredients with an authorised cholesterol-lowering health claim. Dozens of randomized trials and several independent meta-analyses agree it lowers LDL cholesterol, by a modest but real amount.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

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What the science says

LDL cholesterol lowering Strong evidence
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found barley beta-glucan reduced LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, pooling data from dozens of trials. The effect is consistent across studies and dose-dependent.
Regulatory recognition Strong evidence
The EFSA panel on dietetic products issued a scientific opinion substantiating a health claim that barley beta-glucans lower blood cholesterol and reduce coronary heart disease risk, at 3 g per day. Both EFSA and the FDA have accepted this claim based on the trial evidence.
Blood glucose Moderate evidence
A meta-analysis of beta-glucan intake reported reductions in blood glucose alongside cholesterol, attributed to slowed gastric emptying and carbohydrate absorption. Glycaemic effects are smaller and less consistent than the lipid effects.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseAt least 3 g per day of barley beta-glucan is the dose behind the approved cholesterol claim, taken with meals. That equals roughly 60–80 g of dry pearl barley or a corresponding fibre supplement.

SafetyVery safe as a food fibre. Bloating, gas and loose stools are common when starting; increase gradually and drink water. Barley contains gluten, so it must be avoided by anyone with coeliac disease. It can slow absorption of some medications, so separate doses by a couple of hours, and people on diabetes medication should watch for lower glucose.

Scientific references

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effect of barley β-glucan on LDL-C, non-HDL-C and apoB for cardiovascular disease risk reduction(i-iv)
Ho HV, Sievenpiper JL, Zurbau A — Eur J Clin Nutr, 2016
Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to barley beta-glucans and lowering of blood cholesterol and reduced risk of (coronary) heart disease pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) — EFSA J, 2011
Meta-analysis of the effect of β-glucan intake on blood cholesterol and glucose levels
Tiwari U, Cummins E — Nutrition, 2011

Where to buy

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