Effects of beta-glucan supplementation on anthropometric Indices, glycemic markers, lipid profile, and liver enzymes in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity: a randomized controlled trial

<h4>Purpose</h4>Childhood obesity is a major global health concern associated with increased metabolic and cardiovascular risk. Although oat-derived beta-glucan has shown metabolic benefits in adults, evidence in pediatric populations remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of beta-glucan supplementation on anthropometric measures and cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity.<h4>Methods</h4>In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 86 participants aged 6-17 years with overweight or obesity were assigned to receive either 3 g/day of oat-derived beta-glucan or an isocaloric starch placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices, glycemic and lipid profiles, liver enzymes, dietary intake, and physical activity were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Between-group comparisons of change scores were performed using ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline values and relevant covariates.<h4>Results</h4>Seventy-three participants completed the study (beta-glucan: <i>n</i> = 34; placebo: <i>n</i> = 39). After 8 weeks, the beta-glucan group showed greater reductions in body weight, BMI, BMI-for-age z-score, waist circumference, and hip circumference compared with placebo (all adjusted-p-values < 0.01). For selected biochemical outcomes, unadjusted between-group comparisons showed significantly greater reductions in fasting blood sugar (<i>p</i>-value = 0.04), triglycerides (p-value = 0.02), and ALT (p-value = 0.01) in the beta-glucan group. No significant differences were observed for insulin, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, HDL-C, or total cholesterol. Total energy intake decreased more substantially in the beta-glucan group than in the placebo group (<i>p</i> < 0.001).<h4>Conclusions</h4>beta-glucan supplementation may improve body composition and selected cardiometabolic markers in children with overweight and obesity; however, the short intervention duration and modest effect sizes highlight the need for longer and more comprehensive trials.<h4>Trial registration</h4>The study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180805040703N3; registration date: January 26, 2025).<h4>Supplementary information</h4>The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-025-01832-0.