Whole-gut transit rates and wet stool weight in an urban Nigerian population.

Abstract

AbstractThe objective of this study was to test the “dietary fiber theory of Western diseases” in Lagos, an area of relatively low prevalence, by investigating the relationship between fiber in diet, stool weight, and whole‐gut transit rates in a sample of the population on an urban‐type diet. A 5‐day study of fiber in diet and stool weight in 9 normal subjects showed a positive correlation between stool weight and consumed fiber. A second 5‐day study of the diet, whole‐gut transit rates, and wet stool weight in 37 male students revealed that only 15% of the lunches and dinners consisted of staple foods rich in crude fiber, that the mean transit time for first marker was 24.8 hours (SD±10.8) and for 80% of the markers was 48.5 hours (SD±20.9), and that the mean stool weight was 143.3 gram (SD±48.5). There was a negative correlation between transit time and wet stool weight both for first and 80% of markers. The transit time was slower and the stool weight less than figures quoted for rural Africans, but was not significantly different from British figures. The consequences of adopting a sophisticated low fiber diet due to urbanization in rapidly developing urban communities are discussed. It is suggested that in order to prevent an increase in the incidence of colorectal “Western diseases,” a health education drive in urban areas highlighting the qualities of high fiber staple foods be instituted.