Cargill's barley ß-glucan product can help food formulators address the gap between recommended intakes of fiber and those required to achieve the benefits of a fiber-rich diet.

ß-glucans are mixed (1,3)-ß- and (1,4)-ß-D-glucose linear polysaccharides and are a structural component of plant cell walls. ß-glucans are classified as water-soluble dietary fiber, and occur in certain cereal grains such as barley and oats. The concentration of ß-glucan in these cereal grains is low, generally around 4-10 percent. Using a proprietary technology, Cargill's high purity (> 70%) ß-glucan product, Barlív™ barley betafiber, is extracted from barley. Barley betafiber is "non-GMO;" there are currently no commercialized genetically enhanced varieties of barley.

Barlív™ barley betafiber can be used in food products for its potential health benefits. The primary health benefit associated with a diet containing ß-glucan from oats (and low in saturated fat and cholesterol) is a reduction in the risk of heart disease*. Clinical studies indicates that Cargill's Barlív™ barley betafiber, as part of a heart healthy diet, helps to reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels.