A paper published in the Lancet by EDOR researchers Dr Andrew Reynolds, Professor Jim Mann and Dr Lisa Te Morenga has received widespread media coverage. To date the research has been reported by 169 news outlets, and has received positive reviews from scientists around the world. The study concludes that people with higher intakes of fibre and whole grains have lower rates of non-communicable diseases and reduced mortality compared with those who eat less fibre and whole grains.
The series of systematic reviews and meta-analysis included 185 prospective studies and 58 clinical trials, published over the last 40 years. The results revealed people with higher fibre intakes had a 15-30% decrease in all-cause mortality, and incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer when compared with low fibre consumers. Evidence from clinical trials indicated that increasing fibre intakes reduced bodyweight and cholesterol levels. Similar beneficial associations were found with higher wholegrain intakes, however there was limited benefits when following low glycaemic index or glycaemic load diets.
“Our research indicates we should have at least 25-29 grams of fibre from foods per day, although most of us currently consume less than 20 grams of fibre per day. Practical ways to increase fibre intake is to plan meals and snacks around whole grains, vegetables, pulses, and whole fruits.” says first author Dr Andrew Reynolds.
The study was carried out in collaboration with Prof John Cummings from the University of Dundee. He will be joining Dr Reynolds, Prof Mann, Dr Te Morenga and other experts in dietary fibre for the Focus on Fibre & Food Monitoring Symposium, 11-12 February 2019 in Dunedin.
Click here to register for the Focus on Fibre & Food Monitoring Symposium
Read more about the study
- Lancet: Carbohydrate quality and human health: a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 10 January 2019
- Science Media Centre: Expert reaction to series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses about dietary fibre and the risk of non-communicable disease, 10 January 2019
- The Guardian: Blow to low carb diet as landmark study finds high fibre cuts heart disease risk, 10 January 2019
- Otago Daily Times: Fibre even better for you, Otago study shows, 11 January 2019
- BBC News: The lifesaving food 90% aren't eating enough of, 11 January 2019
- CNN: High-fiber diet linked to lower risk of death and chronic diseases, 11 January 2019
This study was undertaken by Dr Andrew Reynolds, Professor Jim Mann, Dr Lisa Te Morenga, Ms Nicola Winter and Ms Evelyn Mete from the University of Otago in collaboration with Prof John Cummings from the University of Dundee.
The research was funded by:
- Health Research Council of New Zealand
- World Health Organisation
- The Riddet Centre of Research Excellence
- Healthier Lives National Science Challenge
- Department of Medicine at the University of Otago
- Otago Southland Diabetes Research Trust