Wheat bran as an etiologic factor in certain diseases. Some second thoughts.
The author questions "the bran hypothesis" that a deficiency of natural fiber--wheat bran in particular--is responsible for a number of prevalent diseases in Western societies, namely diverticular disease, cancer of the colon, gallstones, and myocardial disease. In re-examining the hypothesis, he cites reports which fail to support the theory. For instance, the incidence of diverticular disease in women has increased since 1925, yet there is no evidence that their diets have changed or are different from those of men. Also, it is a mistake to equate wheat bran with fiber in general, and it cannot be shown that dietary fiber in general has declined. In addition, clinical studies have failed to show beneficial results in treating diverticular disease and irritable colon by adding bran to the diet. Similar problems arise in testing the hypothesis that natural fiber can prevent cancer of the colon and lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Recent interest in dietary fiber is welcome, for it has been grossly neglected, but much research is still needed to place it in proper perspective.
D002482:Cellulose / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003106:Colon / Q000502:physiology; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000172:deficiency / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005243:Feces; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D014908:Triticum
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D008055:Lipids; D002482:Cellulose