Cereal Beta-Glucan and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction in Overweight and Obese populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Lipid, Blood Pressure, and Anthropometric Parameters

Abstract

Obesity-related dyslipidemia and hypertension are the key drivers of global cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Although the lipid-lowering capacity of beta-glucan has been demonstrated in the general population, evidence regarding its effects on dyslipidemia and hypertension in overweight and obese populations remains limited. As of April 23, 2025, we searched nine databases. Two reviewers independently conducted study screening, data extraction, and bias assessment. We assessed the effects of cereal beta-glucan (CBG) on lipids, blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m². This article included 49 eligible studies involving 3,854 subjects. Pooled analyses showed that CBG significantly reduced total cholesterol [TC, -0.24 mmol/L (-0.31, -0.17), P < 0.001] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C, -0.19 mmol/L (-0.25, -0.13), P < 0.001], particularly with doses ≥ 3 g/day and durations ≥ 6 weeks. Oat beta-glucan also lowered systolic blood pressure [SBP, -1.38 mmHg (-2.66, -0.09), P = 0.036]. No effects were observed for triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, or body weight. BMI results were conflicting owing to publication bias. In conclusion, CBG reduces TC and LDL-C, and oat beta-glucan may modestly lower SBP in overweight and obese populations. These results support evidence-based recommendations for integrating CBG into CVD prevention strategies.