Scientists Discovered a Supplement That Lowers Cholesterol AND Excretes Toxins

Summary

Dr. Rhonda Patrick explains why she is choosing beta-glucan soluble fiber over psyllium, focusing on potential LDL-cholesterol benefits and early evidence that it may help the body excrete certain PFAS “forever chemicals.”

Key points and strategies

• Beta-glucan for LDL cholesterol: Patrick says studies suggest that about 3 g of beta-glucan per day can lower LDL. She prefers it to psyllium because, in her comparison, roughly 7 g of soluble fiber from psyllium may be needed for a similar effect.
• Evidence discussed:
  • A four-week trial using 1 g of beta-glucan three times daily reported an approximately 6% reduction in LDL.
  • A meta-analysis of about eight psyllium trials found that 10 g daily for eight weeks lowered LDL by about 7% and total cholesterol by about 4%.
  • A 2025 trial in 72 men with elevated cholesterol used 3 g of oat beta-glucan daily. After four weeks, the group had lower LDL and an approximately 8% decrease in two PFAS measures.
• PFAS evidence is preliminary: Patrick describes the 2025 trial as a pilot. PFAS was not the primary outcome, and different PFAS types had to be combined to reach statistical significance. The findings are promising but do not establish beta-glucan as a proven treatment for PFAS exposure.
• Choosing a product: For an oat-derived powder, Patrick wanted organic sourcing because of concerns about glyphosate, along with third-party testing for contaminants such as heavy metals. Unable to find an oat product that met her criteria, she chose a barley-derived beta-glucan powder instead.
• Her stated routine: She plans to take 1 g three times a day, with doses spaced about three hours apart, as in the cited PFAS study. This is her personal approach, not individualized medical advice.

Presenters and sources

• Presenter: Dr. Rhonda Patrick
• Question submitters: Tom and Ivana
• Research discussed: A four-week beta-glucan randomized controlled trial, a meta-analysis of about eight psyllium trials, and a 2025 beta-glucan randomized controlled trial involving 72 men.
• Product mentioned: Sarah Betta barley beta-glucan. Patrick says she is not affiliated with the company and selected the product based on its sourcing and testing claims.