Whole Grain Intake Research Articles

Wholegrain and legume consumption and the 5-year incidence of age-related cataract in the Blue Mountains Eye Study

The present study aims to investigate the effect of wholegrain and legume consumption on the incidence of age-related cataract in an older Australian population-based cohort. The Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES) is a population-based cohort study of eye diseases among older adults aged 49 years or older (1992-1994, n 3654). Of 2334 participants of the second examination of the BMES (BMES 2, 1997-2000), 1541 (78·3 % of survivors) were examined 5 years later (BMES 3) who had wholegrain and legume consumption estimated from the FFQ at BMES 2. Cataract was assessed using photographs taken during examinations following the Wisconsin cataract grading system. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess associations with the 5-year incidence of cataract from BMES 2 (baseline) to BMES 3. The 5-year incidence of cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataract was 18·2, 16·5 and 5·9 %, respectively. After adjustment for age, sex and other factors, total wholegrain consumption at baseline was not associated with incidence of any type of cataract. High consumption of legumes showed a protective association for incident PSC cataract (5th quintile: adjusted OR 0·37; 95 % CI 0·15, 0·92). There was no significant trend of this association across quintiles (P = 0·08). In this older Australian population, we found no associations between wholegrain intake at baseline and the 5-year incidence of three cataract types. However, intake of legumes in the highest quintile, compared with the lowest quintile, may protect against PSC formation, a finding needing replication in other studies.

Whole Grains, Dietary Fibers and the Human Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review of Existing Literature.

The health benefits of dietary fibers have been proved for a long time. The importance of microbiota has been identified in human health and there is a growing interest to study the factors affecting it. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of fiber and whole grains (WGs) on human gut microbiota in a patent-based review. All related clinical trials were systematically searched on PubMed and Scopus search engines from inception up to Feb 2020. Interventional human studies reporting changes in microbiota by using any type of grains/fibers were included. The following information was extracted: date of the publication, location and design of the study, sample size, study population, demographic characteristics, the amount of dietary WGs/fiber, the duration of intervention, the types of grains or fibers, and changes in the composition of the microbiota. Of 138 studies which were verified, 35 studies with an overall population of 1080 participants, met the inclusion criteria and entered the systematic review. The results of interventional trials included in this review suggest some beneficial effects of consuming different amounts and types of WGs and fibers on the composition of intestinal microbiota. Most included studies showed that the intake of WGs and fibers increases bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and reduces the pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and clostridia in the human gut. The consumption of WGs/fibers may modify the intestinal microbiota and promote the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Nevertheless, further research is warranted in different populations and pathological conditions.

Measures of Poor Sleep Quality Are Associated With Higher Energy Intake and Poor Diet Quality in a Diverse Sample of Women From the Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network.

BackgroundPoor sleep increases cardiovascular disease risk, and diet likely contributes to this relationship. However, there are limited epidemiological data on the relationship between measures of sleep quality and habitual dietary patterns. This study examined these associations in a diverse sample of women.Methods and ResultsBaseline data from 495 participants in the AHA Go Red for Women prospective cohort study (age: 20–76 years; 61% racial/ethnic minority) were examined. Sleep quality and sleep‐onset latency were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and insomnia using the Insomnia Severity Index. The validated Block Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess diet quantity and quality. Linear regression models adjusted for confounding variables tested relationships between sleep and diet variables. Results showed that higher PSQI scores, indicative of poorer sleep quality, were associated with lower unsaturated fat intake (β=−0.14, P<0.05) and higher food weight (β=14.9, P=0.02) and added sugars consumed (β=0.44, P=0.04). Women with sleep‐onset latency >60 minutes had higher intakes of food by weight (β=235.2, P<0.01) and energy (β=426, P<0.01), and lower intakes of whole grains (β=−0.37, P=0.01) than women with sleep‐onset latency ≤15 minutes. Greater insomnia severity was associated with higher food weight (β=9.4, P=0.02) and energy (β=17, P=0.01) consumed and lower total (β=−0.15, P=0.01) and unsaturated fat intakes (β=−0.11, P<0.01).ConclusionsPoor sleep quality was associated with greater food intake and lower‐quality diet, which can increase cardiovascular disease risk. Future studies should test whether promoting sleep quality could augment efforts to improve cardiometabolic health in women.

Nutritional prevention of colorectal cancer.

The preventability estimate for colorectal cancer (CRC) is approximately 50%, highlighting the huge potential for altering modifiable lifestyle factors (including diet and body fatness) in order to reduce risk of this common malignancy. There is strong evidence that dietary factors (including intake of wholegrains, fibre, red and processed meat and alcohol) affect CRC risk. The lack of positive intervention trials and limited mechanistic understanding likely explain limited public health impact of epidemiological observations, to date. An alternative strategy for nutritional prevention of CRC is use of supplements that provide higher individual nutrient exposure than obtained through the diet (chemoprevention). There are positive data for calcium and/or vitamin D and the n-3 fatty acid EPA from polyp prevention trials using colorectal adenoma as a CRC risk biomarker. Although CRC is an obesity-related malignancy, there remains a paucity of observational data supporting intentional weight loss for CRC risk reduction. Some types of obesity surgeries (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) might actually increase subsequent CRC risk due to alteration of local intestinal factors. There is intense interest in nutritional therapy of patients after diagnosis of CRC, in order to impact on recurrence and overall survival (now often termed cancer interception). In conclusion, nutritional prevention of CRC continues to hold much promise. Increased mechanistic understanding of the role of individual nutrients (linked to intestinal microbiota), as well as a precision medicine approach to CRC chemoprevention and interception based on both tumour and host factors, should enable translation of nutritional interventions into effective CRC risk reduction measures.

High glycemic index and glycemic load diets as risk factors for insomnia: analyses from the Women’s Health Initiative

Previous studies have shown mixed results on the association between carbohydrate intake and insomnia. However, any influence that refined carbohydrates have on risk of insomnia is likely commensurate with their relative contribution to the overall diet, so studies are needed that measure overall dietary glycemic index (GI), glycemic load, and intakes of specific types of carbohydrates. We hypothesized that higher GI and glycemic load would be associated with greater odds of insomnia prevalence and incidence. This was a prospective cohort study with postmenopausal women who participated in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, investigating the relations of GI, glycemic load, other carbohydrate measures (added sugars, starch, total carbohydrate), dietary fiber, and specific carbohydrate-containing foods (whole grains, nonwhole/refined grains, nonjuice fruits, vegetables, dairy products) with odds of insomnia at baseline (between 1994 and 1998; n=77,860) and after 3 y of follow-up (between 1997 and 2001; n=53,069). In cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, higher dietary GI was associated with increasing odds of prevalent (fifth compared with first quintile OR: 1.11; CI: 1.05, 1.16; P-trend=0.0014) and incident (fifth compared with first quintile OR: 1.16; CI: 1.08, 1.25; P-trend<0.0001) insomnia in fully adjusted models. Higher intakes of dietary added sugars, starch, and nonwhole/refined grains were each associated with higher odds of incident insomnia. By contrast, higher nonjuice fruit and vegetable intakes were significantly associated with lower odds of incident insomnia. Also, higher intakes of dietary fiber, whole grains, nonjuice fruit, and vegetables were significantly associated with lower odds of prevalent insomnia. The results suggest that high-GI diets could be a risk factor for insomnia in postmenopausal women. Substitution of high-GI foods with minimally processed, whole, fiber-rich carbohydrates should be evaluated as potential treatments of, and primary preventive measures for, insomnia in postmenopausal women.

Breakfast consumption habits of Australian men participating in the \u201cTypical Aussie Bloke\u201d study

BackgroundBreakfast is often regarded as “the most important meal of the day” but there is limited reporting of the foods/beverages currently constituting a typical breakfast. This study investigated current breakfast habits of Australian men.MethodsMen aged 18-44y were recruited from metropolitan and regional NSW Australia and completed an online survey investigating breakfast consumption habits and other lifestyle parameters including demographic characteristics and waking habits.Results112 men participated. Most (83.5%) ate breakfast ≥5 times/week and consumed this meal before 8 am (84.0%). Breakfast for habitual breakfast eaters consisted of one or more of the following foods or beverages eaten ≥5 times/week: breakfast cereal (50.0%), milk for cereal (51.1%), fruit (28.7%), toast (13.8%), spreads (11.7%), yogurt (12.8%), and/or coffee (40.4%). Breakfast may also include the following foods 1–4 times/week: eggs (58.5%), bacon (30.9%), juice (19.1%), and/or tea (17.0%).ConclusionA majority of Australian men younger than 45 years old were found to eat breakfast most days of the week. Cereal, milk and fruit were the most common foods consumed for breakfast. Breakfast is considered to be an important meal among health professionals and we found a majority of Australian men do eat breakfast regularly. Approximately half of the young men in the study reported consuming cereal and milk for breakfast most of the time, a breakfast option that is linked to higher daily wholegrain, fibre and micro-nutrient intakes.

Food insecurity is associated with lower adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern among Lebanese adolescents: a cross-sectional national study.

To derive dietary patterns (DPs) of Lebanese adolescents (10-18years) and evaluate associations between identified DPs and household food insecurity (HFI). Data on adolescents (n = 693) were drawn from a national survey conducted in 2015 on a representative sample of Lebanese households with children. In addition to a sociodemographic questionnaire, data collection included the validated Arabic-version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, used to evaluate HFI. Dietary intake was assessed using a 187-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Associations between HFI scores and DPs were examined using multiple linear regressions. HFI was observed in 55.2% of the study sample. Two DPs were derived among adolescents: Western and Lebanese-Mediterranean (LM). The Western DP was characterized by higher consumption of sweetened beverages, fast foods, sweets, and refined grains, whereas the LM DP was characterized by higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains. Scores of the Western DP were negatively associated with fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and D, while the LM DP scores were positively correlated with fiber, proteins, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and D (p < 0.01). LM DP scores were also negatively correlated with total fat, saturated and polyunsaturated fats, p < 0.05. After adjustment for sociodemographics, multiple linear regression showed that higher HFI scores were associated with lower adherence to LM DP among adolescents (β = - 0.026, 95% CI - 0.046, - 0.006). HFI was associated with lower adherence to the Mediterranean pattern among Lebanese adolescents. Preventive strategies are needed to promote better diet quality among food-insecure youth.

Impact of dietary risk factors on cardiometabolic and cancer mortality burden among Korean adults: results from nationally representative repeated cross-sectional surveys 1998-2016.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESDietary factors are important contributors to cardiometabolic and cancer mortality. We examined the secular trends of nine dietary factors (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, milk, red meat, processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and calcium) and the associated burdens of cardiometabolic and cancer mortality in Korea using representative cross-sectional survey data from 1998 to 2016.SUBJECTS/METHODSUsing dietary data from Korean adults aged ≥ 25 years in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), we characterized secular trends in intake levels. We performed comparative risk assessment to estimate the population attributable fraction and the number of cardiometabolic and cancer deaths attributable to each dietary factor.RESULTSA total of 231,148 cardiometabolic and cancer deaths were attributable to nine dietary risk factors in Korea from 1998 to 2016. Suboptimal intakes of fruits and whole grains were the leading contributors. Although the intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains moderately improved over time, the intake levels in 2016 (192.1 g/d, 225.6 g/d, and 10.9 g/d, respectively) remained far below the optimal levels. Deaths attributable to the low intakes of nuts and seeds (4.5 g/d), calcium (440.5 mg/d), and milk (37.1 g/d) and the high intakes of red meat (54.7 g/d), processed meat (4.7 g/d), and sugar-sweetened beverages (33.0 g/d) increased since 1998. Compared with older age groups (≥ 45 years), more unfavorable changes in dietary patterns were observed in the younger population aged 25–44 years, including more sharply increased intakes of processed meat.CONCLUSIONSWe observed improvement in the intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and unfavorable changes in the intakes of processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages over the past few decades. Our data suggest that to reduce the chronic disease burden in Korea, more effective nutritional policies and interventions are needed to target these dietary risk factors.

Dietary intakes of whole grains, health benefits but do contaminants pose a major risk?

AbstractIntroductionThere is a long history of use for whole grain cereals as part of human dietary intakes with records of dietary grain consumption from the Middle Stone Ages. Whole grains are nutrient dense and research demonstrates that the healthiest diets (those associated with reduced risk of non-communicable diseases e.g. cardiovascular disease or cancer) are characterised by higher intake of fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes and whole grains and lower intakes of red and processed meats. Currently, grains are a main energy and carbohydrate source and as such form a cornerstone of food based dietary guidelines and dietary guidance globally. However, grains also naturally contain contaminants and as a food category can represent a significant dietary source of foodborne contaminants.Materials and MethodsThe outcomes of a narrative review on the major contaminants present in whole grains, their potential health risks and suggested strategies to mitigate any risk are described. Contaminants are limited to mycotoxins (aflatoxinB1, ochratoxin A, Fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone), heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, cadmium, lead) and the process contaminant acrylamide.ResultsWhole grains can contain more contaminants than refined versions e.g. whole grain rice with bran intact can have up to 80% more arsenic than white rice. However, whole grains also provide more nutrients which may mitigate against the impact of these contaminants. For example, for heavy metals, there is some evidence that dietary fibres (e.g. wheat bran) may bind to them and reduce their absorption, as can nutrients naturally found in whole grains e.g. zinc, magnesium or copper. Minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc may also impede heavy metal absorption by down-regulating or competing for attachment to transporters that facilitate intestinal absorption. Although, strict regulatory thresholds and monitoring processes by competent authorities minimise any risk to public health, the consumer may further lessen any risk through their own dietary choices and food storage and preparation practicesDiscussionThere are a number of potential health-protective properties inherent to whole grains. Given that complete elimination of contaminants from grains is unlikely to be achieved, their presence merits continued monitoring with evidence to date suggesting any such risk does not outweigh the known benefits of wholegrain consumption.

Associations between total cereals, whole grain, carbohydrate intakes and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus

AbstractIntroductionThe associations between grains and carbohydrate intake and type 2 diabetes mellitus are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between grains, carbohydrate intakes and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in China.Materials and MethodsThis was a 1:2 (sex/age) matched case-control study, participants were adults. Cases were diabetics diagnosed within 3 months and the controls were without disorder of glucose metabolism. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information on their socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and dietary intakes using structured questionnaires. Grains were divided into whole, refined and common grain, and the carbohydrate intake was also calculated. The study participants were divided into quartiles (Q1 (lowest), Q2, Q3, and Q4) by food and nutrients intakes separately. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to explore the association of foods and nutrients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after adjusting for potential confounders. Trend test were performed by treating quartiles variables as continuous variables.Results and DiscussionOur study enrolled 384 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (males 162, females 222) and 768 controls (males 324, females 444). Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis(Ver. 21.0; PSS Inc.,Chicago,IL,USA) showed that moderate amount intake of total cereals was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The adjusted OR of the second quartile (Q2, 223g/d) and the third quartile (Q3, 255g/d) were 0.60(95%CI:0.38–0.93) and 0.51(95%CI:0.33–0.79), respectively, compared with the lowest quartile (Q1, 165g/d), but this inverse association was not found in the highest quartile (Q4, 307g/d) and the OR was 0.74(95%CI:0.47–1.15). There was significant negative association between whole grains intake and type 2 diabetes mellitus with the OR of the highest intake 0.48(95%CI:0.31–0.77) compared with the lowest intake(Ptrend = 0.001).No association was found between refined grains intake intake and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and neither did common grain intake. Higher carbohydrate intake may have a beneficial effect on type 2 diabetes mellitus. The best effect was found in the second quartile intake (Q2, 264g/d), with an adjusted OR of 0.56 (95%CI:0.37–0.84) compared with the lowest quartile intake (Q1, 220g/d).The OR of Q3 (285g/d) and Q4 (334g/d) were 0.69 (95%CI:0.48–1.00) and 0.66 (95CI:0.44–1.00) respectively(Ptrend p = 0.017).ConclusionModerate amount of total cereals intake may benefit to type 2 diabetes mellitus, however, much lower and higher intake can increase the risk. Higher intake of whole grains was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Carbohydrate intake was negative associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Sodium Intake During Pregnancy, but Not Other Diet Recommendations Aimed at Preventing Cardiovascular Disease, Is Positively Related to Risk of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

The role of diet on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension (GHTN), remains unclear. We evaluated whether adherence during pregnancy to dietary recommendations that reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population is related to the risk of HDPs. We followed 66,651 singleton pregnancies from 62,774 women participating in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Diet was assessed during week of gestation 25 with an FFQ from which we created 2 dietary pattern scores: 1) AHA, based on the diet recommendations from the AHA 2020 Strategic Impact Goals; and 2) the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Cases of HDPs were identified through linkage with the Danish National Patient Registry. RRs and 95% CIs of HDPs were estimated by increasing quintiles of adherence to the AHA and DASH scores using log-Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations-to account for repeated pregnancies per woman-while adjusting for potential confounders. We identified 1809 cases of HDPs: n=1310 preeclampsia (n=300 severe preeclampsia) and n=499 cases of GHTN. Greater adherence to AHA or DASH scores was not related to the risk of HDPs. However, when each component of the scores was separately evaluated, there were positive linear relations of sodium intake with HDPs (P-linearity<0.01). Women with the highest sodium intake [median 3.70 g/d (range: 3.52, 7.52 g/d)] had 54% (95% CI:16%, 104%) higher risk of GHTN and 20% (95% CI:1%, 42%) higher risk of preeclampsia than women with the lowest intake [median 2.60 g/d (range: 0.83, 2.79 g/d)]. In addition, intake of whole grains was positively related to the risk of GHTN but not to preeclampsia ( P-heterogeneity=0.002). Sodium intake during pregnancy, but no other diet recommendations to prevent CVD among nonpregnant adults, is positively related to the occurrence of HDPs among pregnant Danish women.

Grains.

The grain group is small, hard, dry seeds, known to be more durable than other staple foods. They have been a part of the human diet for tens of thousands of years. The two foremost types of commercial grain crops are cereals and legumes or pulses, discussed in Chapter 13 "Seeds." A low intake of whole grains is actually the leading dietary risk factor for death and disease in the USA. Few healthy grains are discussed in this chapter that can help prevent health problems like heart diseases, diabetes, and cancers.

Feasibility of Beans/Bran Enriching Nutritional Eating For Intestinal Health & Cancer Including Activity for Longevity: A Pilot Trial to Improve Healthy Lifestyles among Individuals at High Risk for Colorectal Cancer.

Purpose:Examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of a lifestyle intervention of rice bran plus navy bean supplementation, and physical activity (PA) education on intake of fiber and whole grains, and PA levels.Design:Randomized-controlled, single-blinded.Setting:Academic institution and free-living.Subjects:Adults >18 years, with ≥1 adenomatous polyp removed within 3 years.Intervention:Participants received powder and pre-prepared meals and snacks that contained either rice bran (30 g/day) plus navy bean (30 g/day), or Fibersol-2® (10 g/day), for 12-weeks. All participants received a 1-hour (PA) education session.Measures:Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and retention rates, and compliance to the study foods and procedures. Three-day food logs were analyzed using Nutritionist Pro™ to estimate fiber intake, and the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour (ASA24®) Dietary Assessment Tool calculated Healthy Eating Index (HEI) whole grain and total scores. PA was measured using an ActivPAL™ accelerometer.Analysis:Continuous data were summarized as median, range, and percent change from baseline to post-intervention.Results:N = 20 (86.9%) completed the intervention. Compliance was 92% in the rice bran plus navy bean versus 89% in Fibersol-2®. Navy bean consumption increased from 2 g/day to 30 g/day, and rice bran from 0 g/day to 30 g/day. Fiber intake (g/day) increased by 73% versus 82%, HEI whole grain improved by 270% versus 37%, and HEI total improved by 10% versus 9.1% in rice bran plus navy bean and Fibersol-2®, respectively. Total PA (MET-hours/day) showed minimal change for intervention (+0.04%) and control (+4%).Conclusion:Findings merit a larger trial of rice bran plus navy bean and PA to evaluate efficacy for dietary and cancer prevention-related outcomes.

StudentKost: a cross-sectional study assessing college students' diets: reason for concern?

College students constitute a significant proportion of the young adult population in Norway. They are in their reproductive years, which is of interest regarding diet and preconception health. Our objective was to assess young college students' diet and nutrient intake in relation to national dietary recommendations and assess the probability of inadequate micronutrient intake for both genders using the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, and also to evaluate its consequences on preconception health and create a groundwork for future interventions on this group. At the University of Agder (UiA), we enrolled 622 students aged 18-40 years for a cross-sectional study of student's diet, StudentKost. The students completed a food frequency questionnaire, including questions of supplement use, over the past 4 weeks. Intake of fruits, vegetables, oily fish, and whole grain was lower than recommended, as were mean intake of folate, iron, and iodine. Our main findings are that students have a somewhat suboptimal diet compared to the Norwegian dietary guidelines. Male students had generally lower diet quality than females. Compared to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR), we also saw a relatively high probability of inadequate intake of several micronutrients and a very high probability for some micronutrients in a significant portion of the sample. Public health effort should be directed towards improving students and young adults' diet in general, and interventions towards improving preconception health should be explored. The low participation rate limits the generalizability of our findings. Our findings encourage further investigation into young adults' diet.

Alkylresorcinols (biomarkers of whole grain intake), cereal fibre intake and metabolic profile - results from a European study

AbstractBackground:High intakes of whole-grains and cereal fiber have been consistently associated with lower risk of cardiometabolic diseases in observational studies. Yet, improved understanding about the underlying mechanisms is needed. We hypothesized that cereal fiber and whole-grain are associated with beneficial metabolic marker profiles.Aim:To investigate if cereal fiber intake, estimated by food frequency questionnaires and plasma total alkylresorcinols concentrations as well as the C17:0/C21:0-ratio in plasma as biomarkers of whole-grain wheat and rye intake or the relative whole-grain rye to wheat intake, respectively, were associated with metabolic biomarkers.Design:A cross-sectional study conducted to investigate the associations between alkylresorcinols as biomarker of whole-grain wheat and rye intake, cereal fiber and selected metabolic biomarkers among 954 participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Cereal fiber intake was assessed by FFQ and whole grain wheat and rye were reflected by biomarkers analyzed in plasma samples, i.e. total alkylresorcinol (AR). Moreover, the ratio of two of the five measured alkylresorcinols (AR C17:0/C21:0 ratio) was used as an indicator of whole-grain source (wheat or rye). Metabolic biomarkers (HbA1c, C-peptide, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and CRP) were measured in blood samples. All biomarkers were already measured for nested case-control studies of colorectal cancer matched based on sex, study center, age at blood collection, date and time of blood collection, fasting status. Women were further matched by menopausal status, phase of menstrual cycle, and use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy at time of blood collection. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between exposure variables metabolic biomarkers adjusted for case-control status and common confounders.Results:No associations were found between cereal fiber intake and the metabolic markers. However, whole-grain wheat and rye intake, reflected by total AR, was associated with a lower concentration of the inflammation marker CRP. The alkylresorcinol C17:0/C21:0 ratio was not associated with any of the measured metabolic markers in this cohort.Conclusion:Overall, we found no support for an association between cereal fibre intake, whole grain wheat and rye intake reflected by biomarkers and metabolic markers in the present cohort. One exception was the finding of an inverse association between whole grain biomarkers and CRP. Prospective studies or RCTs are warranted to confirm our findings.

The Effects of Increasing Intake of Intact Wheat Fibre or Wheat Bran on Gut Microbiota Diversity: a Systematic Review

AbstractThe influence on health of the human gut microbiota is increasingly recognised, however wheat fibre, consumed frequently in Western diets has traditionally been considered inert with regard to gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity. We undertook a systematic review (PRISMA methodology) of human intervention studies examining the effects of intact cereal fibres on gut microbiota composition among healthy adults.(1) Studies published in the past 20 years were identified on PubMed and Cochrane electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were: healthy adult participants, at least one intact cereal fibre (or its sub-fraction) and measurement of faecal microbiota related outcomes. Out of forty studies meeting inclusion criteria, seventeen manipulated wheat fibre/bran or its key constituent arabinoxylans (AXOS), and ten used a whole diet approach with predominantly wheat fibre. Results from these twenty seven wheat fibre papers are presented here. Eight studies provided wheat bran/fibre (ranging from 5.7g-21g/day wheat fibre or 13g-28g/day wheat bran). Three reported significant effects on gut microbiota abundance and/or diversity (both at phyla and species level) and one showed no effect. Six reported significant increases in fermentation metabolites and one reported no significant change. Ten studies manipulated whole day fibre intake (predominantly wheat but also permitting some oats, rye and rice). Wholegrain intake ranged from 80g-150 g per day and fibre from 13.7g–40 g per day. Six found significant increases in bacterial diversity and/or abundance and five showed significant increases in fermentation metabolites. Two identified that response to high fibre intervention is dependent on baseline gut microbiota richness - those with limited richness exhibiting greater microbiota change over time in response to fibre increase. Two reported no significant effects. Nine studies utilised manipulation of AXOS (2.2g–18.8 g per day) with five demonstrating significant increases in target bacterial species and six significant increases in fermentation metabolites. One reported no significant effect to faecal metabolites. This review supports a role for the wheat fibre found in everyday foods (such as bran breakfast cereal of high fibre breads) promoting both microbiota diversity and abundance. While the healthy microbiome is yet to be defined, consumption of a single daily serving of wheat bran fibre appears sufficient to effect gut microbiota fermentation (with demonstrable effects arising from as low as 6g/day), and promote species diversity, with potential benefit to health.However exploration of stability over longer time frames (&gt; 12 weeks) is now required.

Increased wholegrain intake does not reduce blood pressure and other markers of cardiovascular disease risk in unmedicated pre-hypertensive/stage 1 hypertensive volunteers

Increased wholegrain intake does not reduce blood pressure and other markers of cardiovascular disease risk in unmedicated pre-hypertensive/stage 1 hypertensive volunteers

Biomarkers of Whole-Grain and Cereal-Fiber Intake in Human Studies: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence and Perspectives.

High whole-grain consumption is related to better health outcomes. The specific physiological effect of these compounds is still unrevealed, partly because the accurate estimation of the intake of whole grains from dietary assessments is difficult and prone to bias, due to the complexity of the estimation of the intake by the consumer. A biomarker of whole-grain intake and type of whole-grain intake would be useful for quantifying the exposure to whole-grain intake. In this review, we aim to review the evidence on the potential biomarkers for whole-grain intake in the literature. We conducted a systematic search in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database. In total, 39 papers met the inclusion criteria following the PRISMA guidelines and were included. The relative validity, responsiveness, and reproducibility of these markers were assessed for short-, medium-, and long-term exposure as important criteria for the potential use of these biomarkers from a clinical and research perspective. We found three major groups of biomarkers: (1) alkylresorcinol, as well as its homologs and metabolites, assessed in plasma, adipose tissue biopsies, erythrocyte membranes, and urine; (2) avenacosides, assessed in urine samples; and (3) benzoxazinoid-derived phenylacetamide sulfates, assessed in blood and urine samples. The reviewed biomarkers may be used for improved assessment of associations between whole-grain intake and health outcomes.

Young adult nutrition and weight correlates of picky eating during childhood.

To identify whether picky eating during childhood is associated with dietary intake, weight status and disordered eating behaviour during young adulthood. A population-based study using data from young adults who responded online or by mail to the third wave of the Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) study in 2008-2009. Participants retrospectively reported the extent to which they were a picky eater in childhood, sociodemographic characteristics, disordered eating behaviours, usual dietary intake, and weight and height. Participants were initially recruited in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota, USA, in 1998-1999. The analytic sample included 2275 young adults (55 % female, 48 % non-Hispanic White, mean age 25·3 (sd 1·6) years). Young adults who reported picky eating in childhood were found to currently have lower intakes of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and more frequent intakes of snack foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and foods from fast-food restaurants. No associations were observed between picky eating in childhood and young adults' weight status, use of weight-control strategies or report of binge eating. While young adults who report picky eating during childhood are not at higher risk for disordered eating, those who were picky eaters tend to have less healthy dietary intake. Food preferences and dietary habits established by picky eaters during childhood may persist into adulthood.

Association between Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumption and Nutrient Intake, Nutritional Adequacy, and Diet Quality in Adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2016.

This study examined differences in dietary intake between ready-to-eat cereal eaters and non-eaters in adults from the United States. Participants (n = 5163) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016 were included. One-day dietary recall was used to define ready-to-eat cereal consumption status and estimate dietary intake in eaters and non-eaters. Data from Food Patterns Equivalent Database 2015–2016 were used to compare intakes of food groups by consumption status. Diet quality was assessed by Healthy Eating Index 2015. Nineteen percent of US adults were ready-to-eat cereal eaters; they had a similar level of energy intake as non-eaters, but they had significantly higher intake of dietary fiber, and several vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. They were also more likely to meet nutrient recommendations. Compared to non-eaters, ready-to-eat cereal eaters had the same level of added sugar intake but they had significantly higher intake of whole grains, total fruits, and dairy products. The diet quality of ready-to-eat cereal eaters was significantly higher than that of non-eaters. The study supports that ready-to-eat cereal eaters have better dietary intake with a healthier dietary pattern than non-eaters in the United States.