Why grandma was wrong about fiber

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-02 10:08

A team of researchers from the Netherlands led by Rene Bijkerk of the University Medical Center set up clinical trials to find out.

They divided 275 patients into three groups, and gave each a different 12-week treatment regimen.

One group ate 10g of bran twice a day, and a second ate the same quantities of psyllium, which forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water.

A third group ate a neutral placebo made out of rice flour, which contains no fiber at all.

All but 6 percent of the participants were Caucasian, and more than three-quarters were women, who suffer from IBS more than men.

The patients had either been diagnosed as having the syndrome within the last two years, or fulfilled other criteria for chronic bowel-related problems.

A standardized scale measuring the severity of symptoms showed that psyllium was the most effective treatment, even after only one month.

After three months the severity was reduced by 90 points in the psyllium group, 49 points in the placebo group, and 58 points in the bran group.

The slight difference between the bran and the rice gruel placebo was judged statistically insignificant.

"Bran showed no clinically relevant benefits, and many patients seemed not to tolerate bran," the researchers report in the British Medical Journal.

"Indeed, bran may worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and should be advised only with caution."

Previous studies have linked soluble fibers to healthy blood cholesterol levels and a better regulation of blood sugar levels. Food sources that contain soluble fiber include psyllium, barley, oatmeal, lentils, fruit and vegetables.

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