Domestic hulless barley and malt as an easily available source of β-glucan

β-Glucans are described as non-starch polysaccharides, characterized by (1→3), (1→4) β-D-glucose linkage. In human nutrition, they are regarded as extremely wanted because of their bioactive and medicinal properties. Since β-glucans comprise soluble fibres that have the ability to lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, reduce the risk of heart disease and colon cancer. Especially desirable are (1,3)-β-D-glucans because they act as immunomodulatory agents. The aim of this paper was to determine the mass fraction of β-glucans and the ratio of total and soluble β-glucans in barley and malt in domestic hulless barley varieties. Hulless barley is an accesible and cheap source of β-glucans. Four different domestic varieties of hulless barley obtained from the Agricultural Institute Osijek were examined. The results indicate that all tested varieties have higher β-glucans content than standard winter and spring varietes. Variety Matko showed close relation to the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) recommendations of 750 mg of soluble β-glucans per serving