Educational Information

What is Barlív™?

Cargill Barlív™ barley betafiber is a concentrated, 70% pure source of barley beta-glucan.  Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber component of dietary fiber found in certain cereal grains such as barley and oats.

Is the beta-glucan found in Barlív™ better than the beta-glucan in oats?

The beta-glucan in Barlív™ is virtually identical to the beta-glucan in oats.  Both are polysaccharides.  There is a significant body of research that shows similar beneficial health effects for beta-glucan from both oats and barley.  In addition, clinical research has demonstrated that Barlív™ barley betafiber has cholesterol-lowering effects similar to those of oat beta-glucan.

Is Barlív™ natural?  How is it manufactured?

Barlív™ barley betafiber is manufactured using a proprietary hot water method that extracts barley beta-glucan from natural, whole grain barley.  Barlív™ has no added color, artificial or synthetic materials, and includes no materials that would be present in a natural product.  Thus, a “natural” claim for Barlív™ barley betafiber is consistent with FDA policy on the use of the term.

Is Barlív™ genetically modified?

No, Barlív™ is manufactured from a Non GM variety of barley.

Does Barlív™ provide fiber?  How much?

Barlív™ is an excellent source of viscous soluble fiber.  The total dietary fiber and soluble fiber contents of Barlív™ are 80% and 79% respectively.

Is Barlív™ safe?

Barlív™ is a concentrated source of naturally occurring beta-glucan extracted from barley.  Barley products and the beta-glucans contained in them have been consumed for centuries in the US and around the world.  Specifically for Barlív™, a panel of independent, qualified scientific experts has determined that Barlív™ is GRAS (generally regarded as safe) based on a review of safety and toxicology data for the product.  The expert panel report was submitted to FDA as a GRAS Notification in 2006, and FDA issued a No Objection letter to the GRAS determination in December 2006.

Is Barlív™ effective in lowering cholesterol?

Yes.  Both clinical studies have confirmed that Barlív™ lowers cholesterol.  In the University of Minnesota study, subject consuming 3 grams per day of  Barlív™ experienced an average 9.5% reduction in LDL-cholesterol.

How much Barlív™ do you have to eat to see an effect on serum cholesterol?

An observed with oat beta-glucan, 3gm of barley beta-glucan/day is required to have a significant cholesterol-lowering effect.  This translates to approximately 4.3g of Barlív™ per day since Barlív™ is 70% pure.

What available consumer products contain Barlív™?

Currently there are few consumer products with Barlív™, as it is a new ingredient from Cargill.  In the near future, you will find Barlív™ in a wide variety of your every products, including bars, beverages, breads, breakfast cereals (ready-to-eat and cooked), cookies, creackers, instant rice, pasta products, muffins, salad and reduced fat yogurt.  The maximum incorporation rate for each of these food applications is 3gm Barlív™ (i.e. 4.3g barley betafiber) per serving.

Does Barlív™ benefit people of all age groups?

Yes, Barlív™ is safe for consumption by people of all ages.