Kinetics of glucose absorption may affect insulin secretion into the portal vein. The role of wet fractionated oat β-glucan on these variables is unknown; thus, three 35-kg pigs were fitted with catheters in the portal vein and carotid artery and a portal vein flow probe. Pigs were fed 3 diets containing 0, 3, or 6% purified β-glucan for 7-d in a repeated 3×3 Latin square. On d 7, blood was sampled for 12 h postprandially. Net glucose absorption rate was calculated from plasma portal-arterial differences×flow. Blood flow increased after feeding, without a diet effect. Postprandially, β-glucan reduced net glucose absorption during the first h by 22 to 51%. At 30 and 90 min postprandially, β-glucan decreased portal release of C-peptide but did not affect portal insulin at 30 min, indicating that β-glucan reduces peak insulin release while maintaining prehepatic insulin homeostasis. In conclusion, oat β-glucan as a soluble, viscous fibre decreases rate of glucose absorption and peak insulin release in portal vein.

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