Popular thought has told us for many years that, in order to maintain a health digestive system and prevent colorectal cancer, we need a healthy dose of fiber in our diets to keep things moving.
Seems logical when you think about it, but is there any truth to it?
In the January 1999 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers published findings from a massive study cohort which set out to determine whether fiber intake had any correlation to the prevention of colorectal cancer.
The researchers conducted a study of over 88 thousand women, ages 34-59, over a 16-year period. These women had no history of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or familial polyposis.
After adjusting for age, risk factors, and total energy intake, the results were in.
They found no association between dietary fiber intake and the risk of colorectal cancer.
Even when they excluded test subjects who substantially altered their fiber intake during the first six years of the study, they still found no association.
To be fair, one possible association (although not a strong one) they could not rule out was whether or not fiber intake at an early age had any impact later on in life.
Additionally, when they broke down the different types of fiber (fruit, cereal, or vegetable) only fruit fiber was associated with any appreciable reduction in risk, although they noted the “trend was not statistically significant”.
On the other hand, they actually found vegetable fiber intake to be associated with a significant increase in colorectal cancer risk.
Again, though, in total they found fiber intake to have no association between dietary fiber and the risk of colon cancer.
Does this mean dietary fiber ought to be shunned?
Certainly not.
There may be other benefits of dietary fiber intake, although those benefits or the amounts of dietary fiber needed to achieve them are not explored here.
I hope you found this information helpful. Be sure to check back often as more information is posted to give you the best opportunity at taking back control of your own health and life.
And for more information on preventing colorectal cancer, check out this article!
Reference: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199901213400301
Enjoy what you found here today?
Click here to support this effort!
Thank you for your support!
The statements contained on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Unless otherwise specified, no writer for PursuitOfGreat.com is a licensed physician, medical doctor, trainer, nutritionist or health professional of any kind. Do not consume anything written about on this website if you are allergic to it or if it contraindicates any medication or substance you are taking. Please consult a physician before consuming anything.
The opinions expressed herein are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a physician or health care professional for your specific health care or medical needs.
Please talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise or diet program, including those found on this website. The information provided on this site is not intended as a substitute for consultations with your doctor nor is it intended to provide medical advice specific to your condition. (click to read our full disclaimer)