Home Ingredients BarleyTrim® (Barley Beta-Glucan)
CardiovascularMetabolic HealthGut Health

BarleyTrim® (Barley Beta-Glucan)

Hordeum vulgare
Evidence Level
Strong
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
4/5 Evidence Score

BarleyTrim® is a barley (Hordeum vulgare) beta-glucan, a soluble fiber recognized by health authorities for lowering cholesterol. The same gel-forming fiber also supports steadier blood sugar and digestive health, making barley beta-glucan one of the best-established heart-healthy fibers.

Studied Dose About 3 grams per day is the amount tied to the FDA cholesterol health claim; the cited meta-analysis pooled barley beta-glucan trials at a median of roughly 6.5 grams per day.
Active Compound Barley beta-glucan, a soluble (1,3)(1,4)-beta-D-glucan fiber.

Benefits

Healthy cholesterol

A meta-analysis of randomized trials confirmed that barley beta-glucan lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular risk reduction.

Supported by Trial 1

Steadier blood sugar

The viscous fiber slows carbohydrate absorption, blunting the rise in blood sugar after meals.

Digestive and gut health

As a fermentable soluble fiber, barley beta-glucan supports regularity and feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Viscous fiber gel

Beta-glucan forms a thick gel in the gut that traps cholesterol and bile acids, increasing their excretion and prompting the liver to clear more LDL cholesterol.

2

Slowed glucose absorption

The gel slows the absorption of sugars, supporting steadier post-meal blood glucose.

Clinical trials

1
Barley Beta-Glucan and Cholesterol — Meta-Analysis
PubMed

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials of barley beta-glucan on LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apoB. (Ho et al. 2016, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

615 adults across 14 randomized controlled trials.

Across 14 randomized trials (615 adults, median dose about 6.5 grams per day for a median of 4 weeks), barley beta-glucan lowered LDL cholesterol by 0.25 mmol/L and non-HDL cholesterol by 0.31 mmol/L versus control. ApoB was not significantly changed.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated as a fiber.
Gas or bloating can occur as fiber intake rises.
Increase the dose gradually and drink plenty of water.

Important Drug interactions

Diabetes medication — fiber may affect blood sugar; monitor.
May slow absorption of some medications; separate dosing if advised.
Tell your doctor if you have a digestive condition.

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Frequently asked questions about BarleyTrim® (Barley Beta-Glucan)

What is BarleyTrim?

BarleyTrim® is a barley (Hordeum vulgare) beta-glucan, a soluble fiber recognized by health authorities for lowering cholesterol. The same gel-forming fiber also supports steadier blood sugar and digestive health, making barley beta-glucan one of the best-established heart-healthy fibers.

What is BarleyTrim used for?

BarleyTrim is researched primarily for Cardiovascular, Metabolic Health, and Gut Health. A meta-analysis of randomized trials confirmed that barley beta-glucan lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular risk reduction.

What is the recommended dosage of BarleyTrim?

The clinically studied dose is About 3 grams per day is the amount tied to the FDA cholesterol health claim; the cited meta-analysis pooled barley beta-glucan trials at a median of roughly 6.5 grams per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is BarleyTrim safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, BarleyTrim is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated as a fiber. Gas or bloating can occur as fiber intake rises. It may also interact with some medications. BarleyTrim is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does BarleyTrim interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Diabetes medication — fiber may affect blood sugar; monitor. May slow absorption of some medications; separate dosing if advised. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for BarleyTrim?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for BarleyTrim as Strong (4 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Ho HV, Sievenpiper JL, Zurbau A, et al. 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. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2016;70(11):1239-1245..PubMedUsed to support: Meta-analysis of 14 randomized trials (615 adults, median about 6.5 grams per day for 4 weeks): barley beta-glucan lowered LDL cholesterol by 0.25 mmol/L and non-HDL cholesterol by 0.31 mmol/L versus control, with no significant change in apoB.