Oats against fatty liver disease: New study shows how dietary fibres in oats positively influences the microbiota and liver health

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common liver disease worldwide and the number of people affected is steadily increasing. An international team of researchers, including Karolina Edlund and Jan Hengstler from the Leibniz Institute for Human Factors Research in Dortmund (IfADo), has shown in a recent study that certain dietary fibres in oats, the beta-glucans, have a positive effect on the microbiota in the gut and can therefore prevent the progression of MASLD.

The researchers found that a diet supplemented with oat beta-glucan significantly changed the composition of the gut microbiota, formerly known as gut flora, in mice. An increase in beneficial bacteria was observed. These changes in the microbiota have a positive effect on fat metabolism and lead to a reduction in fat accumulation in the liver as well as a reduction in inflammatory markers and scarring of the liver tissue.

It is already known from other studies that beta-glucans from oats have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. In addition to the positive effects on MASLD, this can also reduce the risk of heart disease. The researchers are confident that oat beta-glucans could be a promising natural method for the prevention and possibly also treatment of fatty liver disease.

Original publication:
Jaeger, J.W.; Brandt, A.; Gui, W.; Yergaliyev, T.; Hernández-Arriaga, A.; Muthu, M.M.; Edlund, K.; Elashy, A.; Molinaro, A.; Möckel, D.; et al.: Microbiota modulation by dietary oat beta-glucan prevents steatotic liver disease progression. JHEP Rep. 2024, 6, 100987.
Scientific contact:
Dr. Karolina Edlund
Scientific staff
Ardeystrasse 67 Dortmund Nordrhein-Westfalen DE 44139
Press contact:
Anne Gregory
Press officer
Ardeystrasse 67 Dortmund Nordrhein-Westfalen DE 44139

Back