OAT BETA-GLUCAN AMYLODEXTRINS - PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Amylodextrins with soluble beta-glucan contents from 1 to 10% were pre pared from oats and the hypocholesterolemic properties of the latter w ere evaluated. The products are called OATRIM and can lower blood chol esterol by replacing animal fats rich in cholesterol in food products and, possibly, by the action of beta-glucan in the body after consumpt ion. In the chick model, decreased total blood cholesterol also result ed in increases of HDL cholesterol and decreases of LDL cholesterol. P rocessing conditions were found that gave the maximum amount of beta-g lucan and desirable fat-replacement qualities with the least amount of color and flavor.