EFSA Approves Cholesterol-Lowering Claim For Foods Containing Oat Beta-Glucan

After reviewing the results of 22 scientific studies, including 19 clinical trials, on the cardiovascular benefits of eating oat beta-glucan, the European Food Safety Authority has acknowledged that the non-digestible, non-starch polysaccharide does lower cholesterol. The EFSA said companies may therefore claim that products delivering at least three grams of oat beta-glucans a day, either naturally or as an added ingredient, may carry this statement: “Oat beta-glucan has been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. Blood cholesterol lowering may reduce the risk of (coronary) heart disease.” The application to the EFSA was made by Swiss firm CreaNutrition AG, which manufactures OatWell oat bran for use in cereals and other foods.