A randomized controlled pilot study evaluating the effect of oat polyphenols on post-prandial glucose response in healthy adults

Reduction of post-prandial blood glucose concentrations is desirable for prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. Our previous research indicated that avenanthramides (AV), a type of oat polyphenol, could play a role in modulating blood glucose. This pilot trial investigated the effects of consuming AV, in the form of a breakfast oatmeal, on reducing post-prandial blood glucose response. The trial followed a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over design consisting of two acute sessions: oatmeal containing low levels of AV (LAV, 1275 μg) vs. oatmeal with high AV (HAV, 3704 μg). Blood glucose was measured 0–120 min and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was calculated. No differences were found between the LAV and HAV treatments with respect to mean blood glucose response or iAUC 0–120 min, nor were there any effects of treatment or time*treatment over the 2 h. Consumption of an oatmeal breakfast with differing amounts of AV did not reduce post-prandial blood glucose response at the levels used in this acute study. There are limited trials in this area and further research is needed to understand the potential health effects of AV in oats. • First human trial testing dietary-level AVs in oatmeal on blood glucose response. • No significant glucose effect from high vs low avenanthramide oat treatments. • Double-blind, randomized crossover trial design ensures robust pilot findings. • Study highlights need for optimized AV formulations in future human trials.