Dietary Fiber from Grains May Reduce Risks of Death

In that previous studies have suggested that consumption of dietary fiber may lower the risks of coronary heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, National Cancer Institute (Maryland, USA) researchers investigated dietary fiber intake in relation to total and cause-specific death rates in a large cohort of American men and women followed for an average of 9 years.  The team surveyed the subjects for dietary habits, collected demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle information, and conducted statistical risks analyses for causes of death. The study authors found that men and women in the highest quintile of dietary fiber intake were at 22% lower risks of total death risk, as compared to subjects in the lowest quintile of dietary fiber intake.  The team specifically observed that dietary fiber intake lowered the risk of death from cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases by 24% to 56% in men and by 34% to 59% in women. Inverse association between dietary fiber intake and cancer death was observed in men, but not in women.  Writing that: “Dietary fiber from grains, but not from other sources, was significantly inversely related to total and cause-specific death in both men and women,” the researchers conclude that: Dietary fiber may reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases. Making fiber-rich food choices more often may provide significant health benefits.”