Effect of β-glucan on metabolic diseases: a review from the gut microbiota perspective

Metabolic diseases (MDs) are defined as the cluster of metabolic disorders that can lead to a broad spectrum of pathologies. The gut microbiota played a critical role in the development of MDs. Regulating gut microbiota through dietary intervention was widely used to reduce the risk of MDs. β-glucan as dietary fiber can improve the pathophysiological indicators and gut microbiota composition of MDs, resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids, which improve gut health to alleviate MDs. This review updates the recent studies associated with the effects of β-glucan on the development of MDs, highlighting the role of gut microbiota in modulating MDs.