03.03.14
In a systematic review of 22 cohort study publications, a new report featured in British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that increased fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart disease (CHD).
The 22 studies that met inclusion criteria contained participant information regarding total dietary fiber intake, fiber subtypes or fiber from food sources and primary events of cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease. All studies had a minimum follow-up of three years and were published in English between Jan. 1, 1990 and Aug. 6, 2013. Most of the studies adjusted for important confounders such as age, sex, education or class and smoking status in their analyses, but not all studies adjusted for other potentially important confounders such as physical activity or other dietary factors.
Researchers found total dietary fiber intake was inversely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Insoluble fiber and fiber from cereal and vegetable sources were also inversely associated with the risk of CHD and CVD. Fruit fiber intake was inversely associated with the risk of CVD only.
Moreover, findings showed a significantly lower risk of 9% for both CVD and CHD with every additional 7 grams per day of total fiber consumed. Results were aligned with current recommendations to increase fiber intake and showed a large risk reduction with increased daily fiber intake.
The 22 studies that met inclusion criteria contained participant information regarding total dietary fiber intake, fiber subtypes or fiber from food sources and primary events of cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease. All studies had a minimum follow-up of three years and were published in English between Jan. 1, 1990 and Aug. 6, 2013. Most of the studies adjusted for important confounders such as age, sex, education or class and smoking status in their analyses, but not all studies adjusted for other potentially important confounders such as physical activity or other dietary factors.
Researchers found total dietary fiber intake was inversely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Insoluble fiber and fiber from cereal and vegetable sources were also inversely associated with the risk of CHD and CVD. Fruit fiber intake was inversely associated with the risk of CVD only.
Moreover, findings showed a significantly lower risk of 9% for both CVD and CHD with every additional 7 grams per day of total fiber consumed. Results were aligned with current recommendations to increase fiber intake and showed a large risk reduction with increased daily fiber intake.
