Mean Fiber Intake Research Articles

Trends in fiber and whole grain intake in the U.S. NHANES 2001‐2010: what’s changing? (810.5)

The objective of this study was to examine the 10 year trends in sources of dietary fiber and whole grain (WG) among the US population using NHANES 2001‐2010. Weighted intakes of fiber and WG were calculated and food sources categorized according to the USDA FNDDS, 5.0. Mean fiber intake for children 4‐18 y was 13.2±0.1 g/d and for adults 19+ y was 16.1±0.2 g/d. Mean WG intake for children was 0.52±0.01 oz eq/d and for adults 0.71±0.02 oz eq/d. Grain products, fruit and vegetables contributed approximately 80% of total dietary fiber for children and adults. “Mixtures, mainly grain, pasta & bread” and “Fruit, excluding berries” were the top 2 sources of dietary fiber for all ages; intakes of both food groups increased (p<0.01) between 2001‐2010. “White bread, rolls” decreased (p<0.01) as the third source of dietary fiber for both children and adults. Intake of “Cereals, not cooked”, the top source of WG for children, decreased (p=0.0003). There was no change in intakes of the two major sources of WG among adults: “Yeast bread, rolls” and “Cereals, not cooked”. Among the top 15 food sources of dietary fiber only 3 included WG. Snacks made an important contribution (蠅18% of total) to intakes of both fiber and WG for all age groups. These results show that fiber and WG are provided by different foods and different strategies are needed to increase fiber without increasing calories, such as including fiber to foods that are already consumed.Grant Funding Source: Funding by Kellogg Company

Dietary Intake of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Measured Using the Modified Block Food Frequency Questionnaire

Diet is fundamental in the overall management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Few studies have described the dietary intake of Canadians with T2D. This study examined the baseline dietary intake of participants of the Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes in Primary Care Networks (HEALD-PCN) study using a modified 55-item Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). A total of 196 individuals (51% women), mean age 59.6 years and BMI 33.6 kg/m2 were included. Overall, mean caloric intake was estimated to be 1286 kcals (95% CI, 1220, 1351) and was higher in men (1363 kcals) compared with women (1211 kcals; p=0.02). Mean carbohydrate and protein intakes were 594 kcals (95% CI, 562, 627) and 241 kcals (95% CI 229, 254), respectively. Mean fat intake was 498 kcals (95% CI 455, 540) for men and 442 kcals (95% CI 408, 476) for women (p=0.04). Mean daily consumption of fruits and vegetables were 1.6 (95% CI, 1.5, 1.8) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.7, 1.9) cup equivalents/person/day, respectively. Overall, mean fibre intake was 13.0 g/day (95% CI 12.3, 13.8); there were no differences between men and women. Adults with T2D reported consuming a diet low in fruits and vegetables and dietary fibre. Men reported higher intakes of dietary fat and total energy. Overall, the Block FFQ may have underestimated energy intake however, these results suggest targeted dietary counselling for men living with T2D should be considered.

A high‐fibre bean‐rich diet versus a low‐carbohydrate diet for obesity

High-fibre and low-carbohydrate diets may enhance satiety and promote weight loss. We compared a diet rich in beans aiming to increase dietary fibre and promote weight loss with a low-carbohydrate diet in a randomised controlled trial to assess effect and tolerability of the high-fibre bean-rich diet. One hundred and seventy-three women and men, with a mean body mass index of approximately 36kgm(-2) (one-fifth with diabetes type 2) were randomised to a high-fibre bean-rich diet that achieved mean (SD) fibre intakes of 35.5 (18.6)gday(-1) for women and 42.5 (30.3)gday(-1) for men, or a low-carbohydrate diet. Both diets were induced gradually over 4weeks and included a 3-day feeding phase. Among 123 (71.1%) completers at 16weeks, mean (SD) weight loss was 4.1 (4.0)kg in the high-fibre versus 5.2 (4.5) kg in the low-carbohydrate group [difference, 1.1kg, 95% confidence interval (CI)=-2.6 to -0.5; P=0.2], with results similar to the intent-to-treat population. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels decreased with the high-fibre diet (difference in LDL-cholesterol versus low-carbohydrate diet, 0.2mmolL(-1) , 95% CI=0.01-0.44mmolL(-1) ; P=0.045), as did total cholesterol (P=0.038), whereas changes in other lipids and glucose did not differ. After 52weeks, the low-carbohydrate (n=24) group tended to retain weight loss better than the high-fibre group (P=0.06), although total cholesterol remained lower with the bean-rich diet (P=0.049). A high-fibre bean-rich diet was as effective as a low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss, although only the bean-rich diet lowered atherogenic lipids.

Analysis of Average Daily Fiber Intake Among Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumers

There is no minimum fiber requirement for on-pack whole-grain claims, yet consumers perceive products made with whole grains to provide at least a good source of fiber. To understand how this misperception may be fueling Americans’ fiber intake shortfall, this study investigated the impact on fiber intakes of ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal products with whole-grain claims. A 14-day eating frequency diary was collected from US free-living households over 3 years in the NPD Group’s National Eating Trends (NET) panel (n=10,708). Average daily fiber intake and sources were calculated from the types and frequency of food and beverages consumed at meals. T-tests were conducted on mean fiber intake at breakfast and daily to identify significant differences between all adults, adults consuming whole-grain RTE cereals with <3 g of fiber per serving, and adults consuming whole-grain RTE cereals with ≥3 g of fiber per serving. Adults eating whole-grain RTE cereals with ≥3 g of fiber per serving consumed 42% more fiber at breakfast and 14% more daily fiber than typical adults. Individuals choosing whole-grain RTE cereal with ≥3 g of fiber per serving consume significantly more fiber at breakfast and throughout the day relative to all adults and to adults eating whole-grain RTE cereals with <3 g of fiber per serving.

Serum Cholesterol Dietary Pattern and Fiber of a Group of Elderly Yoruba in Ibadan, Nigeria

Serum Cholesterol Dietary Pattern and Fiber of a Group of Elderly Yoruba in Ibadan, Nigeria This cross sectional descriptive, study assessed serum cholesterol, fiber and dietary characteristics of 240 elderly subjects in Ibadan, Nigeria. All respondents filled out appropriate questionnaires in regard to dietary pattern and blood was drawn from 120 subjects for biochemical analysis. The 240 respondents ranged in age from 60 to 95 years and included 114 (47.5%) men and 126 (52.5%) women. Their diets were high in roots and tubers, moderate in legumes and low in fruits and animal proteins and fats. Mean fiber intake was 16 g/day; Energy ranged from 6136-8368 kJ/day and protein ranged from 28-50 g/day. Zinc, vitamin A, and B vitamin were low. The blood pressures both diastolic systolic relate significantly with age.

Energy, saturated fat and fibre intakes among Dutch children and adolescents at breakfast and implications for educational messages

The aim of this study was to assess energy, saturated fat and fibre intakes at breakfast among Dutch youngsters aged 10-19 years and the extent to which they meet nutritional value recommendations and the educational messages on food group intake by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (NNC). A cross-sectional design was used and data were collected through an online questionnaire among 2380 students attending 71 Dutch schools for primary and secondary education. Energy intake at breakfast was, on average, 15.8% of daily recommended energy intake; mean saturated fat intake was 7.5 en% and mean fibre intake 1.0 g per 100 kcal. Of the participants, 67.2% met the saturated fat intake recommendation and 35.3% the fibre intake recommendation. In addition, 25.5% were assessed to have an adequate energy intake based on daily recommended, but not individually measured, age- and gender-specific energy intake. Most participants consumed products from the grains food group, in combination with products from one or two other food groups. Consumption from two or more food groups resulted in less favourable intake. Our study found generally inadequate fibre intake at breakfast as well as an indication of inadequate energy intake at breakfast among Dutch youngsters. The educational message of the NNC to consume at least (wholemeal) bread or another fibre-rich product (cereals) at breakfast seems realistic in terms of compliance and favourable in terms of the resulting nutritional value. The educational message to preferably eat from each of the five main food groups should be reconsidered.

Predictors of overweight and obesity in adult women in Nairobi Province, Kenya

BackgroundSince obesity in urban women is prevalent in Kenya the study aimed to determine predictors of overweight and obesity in urban Kenyan women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken in Nairobi Province. The province was purposively selected because it has the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in Kenya.A total of 365 women aged 25–54 years old were randomly selected to participate in the study.ResultsHigher age, higher socio-economic (SE) group, increased parity, greater number of rooms in the house, and increased expenditure showed greater mean body mass index (BMI),% body fat and waist circumference (WC) at highly significant levels (p <0.001). Most of the variance in BMI was explained by age, total physical activity, percentage of fat consumed, parity and SE group in that order, together accounting for 18% of the variance in BMI. The results suggest that age was the most significant predictor of all the dependent variables appearing first in all the models, while parity was a significant predictor of BMI and WC. The upper two SE groups had significantly higher mean protein (p <0.05), cholesterol (p <0.05) and alcohol (p <0.001) intakes than the lower SE groups; while the lower SE groups had significantly higher mean fibre (p <0.001) and carbohydrate (p <0.05) intakes. A fat intake greater than 100% of the DRI dietary reference intake (DRI) had a significantly greater mean BMI (p <0.05) than a fat intake less than the DRI.ConclusionsThe predictors of overweight and obesity showed that urbanization and the nutrition transition were well established in the sample of women studied in the high SE groups. They exhibited a sedentary lifestyle and consumed a diet high in energy, protein, fat, cholesterol, and alcohol and lower in fibre and carbohydrate compared with those in the low SE groups.

Vegetarian dietary pattern is associated with increased consumption of fiber, calcium and potassium in adult respondents of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2008

Vegetarian diets have been associated with several health benefits. However, there are some concerns around the nutritional adequacy of vegetarian diets. The present study was designed to evaluate the differences in nutrient intakes between vegetarian (VDP) and non‐vegetarian dietary patterns (NVDP) in US adult population (&gt; 19 yrs; N = 11,888) using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2008. Respondents who did not report the consumption of meat, poultry or fish on the NHANES dietary recall for either of the two survey days were categorized as having a vegetarian dietary pattern. Mean nutrient intakes were adjusted for Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Poverty Income Ratio and kCal. Total energy intake was approximately. 16% lower in VDP when compared to NVDP. Mean intakes of fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, total folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium were higher for VDP than for NVDP. Although intake of sodium was lower in the VDP, it was still higher than the current guideline. Dairy and fruit consumption was higher among the vegetarians. Contrary to the common belief, total vegetable intake was not different between the two groups. The Healthy Eating Index, a measure of diet quality, was not different for people following a vegetarian dietary pattern compared to non‐vegetarians.

Development of a school-based intervention to improve the daily diet of adolescents in urban Benin

Development of a school-based intervention to improve the daily diet of adolescents in urban Benin

Measuring micronutrient intakes at different levels of sugar consumption in a population in transition: the Transition and Health during Urbanisation in South Africa (THUSA) study

Objective: The objective was to investigate the absolute micronutrient intake and the possibility of micronutrient dilution of added sugar in the diets of an African population in nutritional transition.Design: A cross-sectional, comparative, population-based design was used. Respondents who consumed sugar were divided into four quartiles of percentage of added sugar intake.Setting: The setting was 37 randomly selected rural and urban areas of the North West province.Subjects: The subjects were 1 742 adult volunteers (739 men and 1 003 women), aged between 15–65 years. After exclusion of low-energy reporters, the sample comprised 1 045 subjects (472 men and 573 women).Outcome measures: The outcomes measures were the macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of subjects in different quartiles of added sugar intake and body mass index (BMI).Results: The average intake of added sugar was 10.01% of total energy (67.12 g) in men and 11.2% total energy (67.10 g) in women. Respondents who consumed the most added sugar had significantly lower mean intakes of alcohol, but higher intakes of energy, macronutrients and most micronutrients. The diets of those in the highest sugar intake group contained significantly less thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc per 4.18 MJ. At every level of added sugar consumption, the mean intakes of fibre (men only), folate, ascorbic acid and calcium (men and women) did not meet the dietary reference intakes [estimated average requirements (EAR)] and pantothenic acid and biotin (women only) did not meet the adequate intake. There were no significant differences in mean BMI across the quartiles of added sugar intakes in men, but the mean BMI of women who consumed the most added sugar was significantly higher than that of those who consumed less sugar. Respondents who consumed the most added sugar had significantly higher intakes of fruit (men only), bread and soft drinks, and lower intakes of maize meal and alcohol (men and women).Conclusion: Absolute intakes of most micronutrients were significantly higher in consumers with a high sugar intake [Quartile (Q) 4] compared with the lowest consumers of sugar (Q1). The lowest percentages of participants whose micronutrient intakes fell below the EAR were in Q4 and Q3. However, expression of micronutrient intake per 4.18 kJ (micronutrient dilution) revealed significantly less of most micronutrients per 4.18 MJ for men and women who consumed the most added sugar, compared with those who consumed the least.

Body Mass Index and Food and Nutrient Intake of Children with Type 1 Diabetes and a Carbohydrate Counting Meal Plan

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To document body mass index and food intake in relation to level of carbohydrate counting in children with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Weight, height, glycated hemoglobin and two 24-hour dietary recalls were recorded in 70 children with type 1 diabetes (age 6 to 12 years) on intensive insulin therapy, with a meal plan based on basic (n=21) or advanced (n=49) carbohydrate counting. RESULTS: The distribution of weight status (not overweight, overweight, obese) was similar in both meal plan groups, and the overall prevalence of overweight (15.7%) and obesity (5.7%) was similar to that of the general Quebec youth population. Mean intake of fibre and potassium was lower than adequate intake, regardless of sex and age. Vitamin C was the nutrient with the highest prevalence of inadequate intake. Children using advanced carbohydrate counting drank less milk (p CONCLUSION: Meal plans based on carbohydrate counting do not appear to expose school-aged children with type 1 diabetes to a greater risk of obesity or overweight. Contrary to what is sometimes assumed, advanced carbohydrate counting did not lead to higher energy or sugar intake in this sample. Although their diet is similar to that of children without diabetes, children with type 1 diabetes should receive education about adequate food choices to increase their intake of fibre and micronutrients.

Dietary Intake in Hemodialysis Patients Does Not Reflect a Heart Healthy Diet

Cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent and has a major effect on morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Dietary factors that may contribute to cardiovascular disease have not been well studied in this population. We hypothesize that dietary intake in this population does not meet the guidelines for cardiovascular risk reduction. A cross-sectional study was completed using the validated "Block Dialysis 1 Food Frequency Questionnaire" to assess dietary intake of MHD patients. A total of 70 patients undergoing MHD at our outpatient dialysis center completed the questionnaire under the supervision of a trained dietitian. The population consisted of 38 men and 32 women. Dietary intake was the main outcome measure, with a focus on calories, soluble fiber, saturated fatty acid (SFA), unsaturated fatty acid intake (UFA), and protein. The mean fiber intake was 10.77 (±5.87) g/day, and only 2 of 71 (2.9%) were in compliance with the recommended daily intake of >25 g/day. As percentage of total calories, of the 70 patients, 5 (7.1%) had a fat intake of <30%, 22 (31.4%) had SFA intake of <10%, 64 (91.4%) had a UFA of ≤30%, 22 (31.4%) had a protein-based diet of ≥15%, and 66 (94.3%) had a carbohydrate diet of <60%. Most patients did not meet the dietary guidelines for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Substituting UFA or soluble fiber for SFA improves low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels without negative effects on other lipid parameters.

Fiber consumption and metabolic syndrome in adults: Results from NHANES 1999‐2004

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of increasing fiber and whole grain (WG) consumption on the odds of having metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a recent, nationally representative sample of US adults 19 to 51 years (n=7,039) and 51+ years (n=6,237) using a secondary analysis of NHANES 1999‐2004 data. . Participants were divided into four fiber consumption groups: &lt;10g/d, 10 to &lt;15, 15to &lt;20, =20g/day. For a separate analysis of WG, participants were also divided into four WG consumption groups: &lt;0.6 (control), 0.6 to &lt;1.5, 1.5 to &lt;3.0 and = 3.0 servings. MetS was defined using the ATPIII definition. Least‐square means + SE were calculated. For adults 19‐50 years, mean fiber intake was 14.97 g + 0.37; ORs with MetS were: 0.958 (CI = 0.755 to 1.216), 0.800 (CI = 0.603 to 1.063), and 0.807 (CI = 0.608 to 1.072) for the three fiber groups, respectively; p for trend with MetS was 0.08. For adults 51+ years, mean fiber intake was 15.65 g + 0.26; ORs with MetS were: 1.31 (CI = 1.05 to 1.64), 0.89 (CI = 0.71 to 1.14), and 0.60 (1.47 to 0.77) for the three WG groups, respectively; p for trend was 0.0010. However, whole grain intake was not associated with reduced ORs of MeS in both age groups. These data suggest that fiber consumption may have a positive impact on MeS. Supported by USDA &amp; Kellogg's Corporate Citizenship Fund.

Dietary habits of Welsh 12—13 year olds

This study examined the dietar y habits of Welsh 12—13 year olds. A cohor t of 84 boys and 81 girls, age 12.9 SD 0.3 years; body mass 51.3 SD 12.6kg; and stature 1.54 SD 0.08m, completed a food frequency questionnaire and seven-day food diary. Mean daily kilocalories (kcal/d), and percentages of total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, and protein, as well as fibre intake were calculated. The mean daily intake of total fat for this cohor t was 34.7 percent, for saturated fat the value was 13.8 percent. The mean daily intake of carbohydrate and protein were 50.5 and 14.9 percent, respectively. The schoolchildren in this study repor ted a mean daily fibre intake of 12.3g. The absolute intake of kilocalories was significantly greater ( p ≤ 0.05) among boys than girls, but no other significant differences were repor ted. This study revealed that the diets of Welsh 12—13 year olds exceeded recommendations for fat, while at the same time did not meet the recommendations for fibre, and particularly fruit and vegetable intake. Our data indicated that, despite schools offering a range of healthy lunchtime foods, young people continue to consume an energy-dense and nutrient-poor diet, both at school and at home.

Effect of a High-Fiber Diet vs a Fiber-Supplemented Diet on C-Reactive Protein Level

Diets high in fiber are associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers. This study examined the reduction in inflammation from a diet supplemented with fiber compared with a diet naturally high in fiber. Randomized crossover intervention trial of 2 diets, a high-fiber (30-g/d) Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet or fiber-supplemented diet (30 g/d), after a baseline (regular) diet period of 3 weeks. There were 35 participants (18 lean normotensive and 17 obese hypertensive individuals) aged 18 to 49 years. The study included 28 women and 7 men; 16 (46%) were black, the remainder white. The mean (SD) fiber intake on baseline diets was 11.9 (0.3) g/d; on the high-fiber DASH diet, 27.7 (0.6) g/d; and on the supplemented diet, 26.3 (0.4) g/d. Overall, the mean C-reactive protein (CRP) level changed from 4.4 to 3.8 mg/L (-13.7%; P = .046) in the high-fiber DASH diet group and to 3.6 mg/L (-18.1%) in the fiber-supplemented diet group (P = .03). However, CRP levels decreased in the 18 lean normotensive participants in either intervention diet group (2.0 mg/L [baseline] vs 1.4 mg/L [high-fiber DASH] vs 1.2 mg/L [supplemented]); P<.05) but did not change significantly (7.1 mg/L [baseline] vs 6.2 mg/L [high-fiber DASH] vs 6.5 mg/L [supplemented]; P>.05) in obese hypertensive participants. Neither age nor race influenced the response of CRP levels to the diets. No evidence of a crossover effect was detected. The results demonstrate that fiber intake of about 30 g/d) from a diet naturally rich in fiber or from a supplement can reduce levels of CRP. Further research is needed to more clearly elucidate the differential effect seen in lean vs obese individuals and whether modification of dietary fiber may be helpful in modulating inflammation and its consequent cardiovascular consequences.

Dietary Intake of Free-Living Elderly in Northern Greece

The aim of the present study was to investigate the nutrient intake of a non-institutionalized Greek elderly population. Dietary intake and anthropometric data were investigated in 100 elderly subjects from Grevena, Greece, all belonging to the race of “Hasiotes.” According to BMI classification, 48% of the subjects are considered overweight and 20% obese. WHR for women and men was 0.91 and 0.98, respectively. Both genders presented insufficient energy intake (7.27 ± 3.49MJ/d) in 3 ± 0.9 feeding sessions daily. Mean protein and fiber intake was 0.82 ± 0.43 and 0.29 ± 0.2g/kg BW, respectively. The diet presented insufficient amounts of vitamins A, B6, D, E, K, Biotin, Pantothenic acid, Cu, I, Mg, Mn and Zn. Female subjects exhibited low dietary intake of vitamins B2, B3 and Ca. The diet had many characteristics of the traditional Mediterranean diet and comprised of a high intake of goat-milk yoghurt, olive oil, goat cheese, traditional alcohol drinks, pies, legumes, fruits and meat. The majority of the sample (70%), reported fasting on Orthodox celebrations. Further research should assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet with the use of scores and compare diet characteristics to other regions in Greece, in order to present regional differences in Greek diet variations.

Nutrient Intakes and Food Patterns of Toddlers’ Lunches and Snacks: Influence of Location

Objective To describe nutrient intake and food patterns of lunches and snacks eaten at various locations by US toddlers. Design A national, cross-sectional telephone survey in which mothers and primary caretakers reported toddlers’ food and beverage intake for a 24-hour period. Subjects Toddlers (n=632), aged 15 to 24 months, a subset in the 2002 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study. Analyses Means±standard errors of the mean, percentages, t tests of mean differences, mean energy and nutrient intake, and nutrient density of toddlers’ lunches and snacks. Results Overall, on any given day, 42.6% of toddlers consumed all meals and snacks at home, 8.1% consumed any meal or snack at day care (and others at home), and 49.3% consumed any meal or snack away from home (all other locations excluding day care). Mean energy intake at lunch ranged from 281 kcal at home to 308 kcal away from home to 332 kcal at day care. There were no significant differences in mean macronutrient intake or fiber intake across locations, but lunches eaten at day care were significantly higher in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, potassium, and riboflavin compared with those eaten at home or away ( P<.05). Mean trans fat intake was significantly ( P<.01) lower for lunches consumed at home compared with away from home. For lunches consumed at away locations, the most frequently consumed item, by 35% of toddlers, was french fries. Carbonated beverages were consumed at away lunches by 16% of toddlers, compared with 3% at home and none at day care. Morning snacks provided 124 to 156 kcal and afternoon snacks provided from 139 to 170 kcal, depending on the location. Foods typically eaten at morning snacks for all locations were water, cow’s milk, crackers, and 100% juice. Beverages frequently consumed at afternoon snacks were water, whole cow’s milk, fruit-flavored drinks, and 100% apple juice. The most frequently consumed foods for an afternoon snack at home or day care were crackers or non–baby food cookies. Conclusions Nutritious choices such as milk, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains need to be encouraged in a variety of forms to give toddlers an opportunity to build broader food preferences for life. The consumption of milk at home and other locations, such as restaurants and friends’ homes, needs to be encouraged in place of fruit-flavored drinks or other sweetened beverages. For lunches at home, parents may be especially receptive to suggestions about appropriate and easy-to-serve foods, homemade or commercial, for a toddler’s lunches and snacks. Day-care providers should be encouraged to use menu planning aids, such as those available from the US Department of Agriculture, even if they are not regulated by a government program.

Effects of regular physical activity on defecation pattern in middle-aged patients complaining of chronic constipation

Objective. It is not well known whether physical activity (PA) is useful in the management of patients complaining of constipation. The aim of this study was to test the influence of regular PA on colonic transit time and defecation in middle-aged inactive patients suffering from chronic idiopathic constipation.Material and methods. Forty-three subjects (>45 years) were randomly divided into group A (n=18, 16 F, 2 M) and group B (n=25, 20 F, 5 M). Group A subjects maintained their normal lifestyle during 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week PA programme. Group B performed a 12-week PA programme after randomization. PA comprised 30 min of brisk walking and a daily 11-min home-based programme. Both groups received dietary advice. Colonic transit time was measured using a radiographic multiple marker single film technique.Results. Despite dietary advice, mean fibre and fluid intake did not change. In group B a significant reduction in 3 out of 4 of the Rome I criteria for constipation was observed, i.e. percentage of incomplete defecations, percentage of defecations requiring straining and percentage of hard stools (p<0.05). As a consequence, the number of fulfilled Rome criteria for constipation decreased (2.7 to 1.7; p<0.05). Furthermore, the rectosigmoid and total colonic transit time decreased (17.5 to 9.6 h and 79.2 to 58.4 h, respectively; p<0.05). After PA the number of fulfilled Rome criteria also decreased in group A (2.6 to 1.7; p<0.05).Conclusions. In middle-aged inactive subjects with symptoms of chronic constipation, it is advisable to promote regular physical activity since it improves both the defecation pattern and rectosigmoid or total colonic transit time.

Heritage retention and bean intake correlates to dietary fiber intakes in Hispanic mothers— Qué Sabrosa Vida

Objective To determine the correlation between fruit/vegetable and bean stage of change and heritage retention with fiber intake in Hispanic mothers. Design Cross-sectional study design used baseline survey data from the Qué Sabrosa Vida nutrition intervention developed by the University of Texas School of Public Health, Human Nutrition Center (Houston, TX). Participants were recruited and data gathered from telephone surveys using random digit dial methodology ensuring proportional representation of demographic subgroups. Subjects Hispanic mothers (N=293) responded to the baseline survey in El Paso, TX. Analyses Using SPSS version 11.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL), descriptive statistics, χ 2, correlations, and analyses of variance were used to determine the relationship of variables to fiber intake. Potential confounding variables included were grain stage of change, age, education level, and marital status. Results Mean fiber intake for mothers was 21.9 g/day and mean age was 35.8 years. χ 2 of fruit/vegetable stage was P=.784. χ 2 of bean stage, heritage retention score, age, and education to fiber intake were significant, P=.008, P=.004, P=.005, and P=.001, respectively. Bean stage, heritage retention score, age, and education level were significantly correlated. One-way analysis of variance of bean stage, heritage retention score, age, and education level by fiber intake were significant, P=.006, P=.001, P=.004, and P=.002, respectively. Conclusions Older Hispanic mothers in the action/maintenance bean stage with strong heritage retention score had greater fiber intakes than younger mothers in pre-action bean stage with weak heritage retention score. As education level increased fiber intake decreased. Encouragement of bean consumption and heritage retention may increase fiber intake in this Hispanic mother population.

Dietary fibre and the risk of colorectal cancer

The relationship between various types of fibre and colorectal cancer risk was investigated using data from a case–control study conducted in the Swiss Canton of Vaud between January 1992 and December 2000. The study included 286 cases of incident, histologically-confirmed colorectal cancers (149 colon and 137 rectal cancers) admitted to the University Hospital of Lausanne, and 550 controls whose admission diagnosis was of acute, non-neoplastic diseases. Dietary habits were investigated using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Odds ratios (ORs) were computed after allowance for age, sex, education, physical activity and energy intake. Fibre was analysed both as a continuous variable and in tertiles. There was a significant inverse relationship of total fibre intake (determined by the Englyst method as non-starch polysaccharides) and of its components with the risk of colorectal cancer. ORs for a difference in intake of one standard deviation from the mean fibre intake of the control distribution was 0.57 for total fibres, 0.55 for soluble non-cellulose polysaccharides (NCPs), 0.58 for total insoluble fibres, 0.57 for cellulose, 0.62 for insoluble NCP and 0.62 for lignin. When fibre was classified according to its source, the OR was 0.60 for vegetables, 0.78 for fruit and 0.74 for grain fibre. The ORs were similar for colon and rectal cancer and consistent across the strata of the major covariates and of several types of fibres.