Increased intake of dietary fiber, from both cereal and fruit sources, could boost lung health, and may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggests a new study.
“This study provides the first known evidence that dietary fiber is independently associated with better lung function and reduced prevalence of COPD,” wrote lead author Haidong Kan from National Institutes of Health. Since this is the first study finding the association between fiber and COPD, other studies will be done.
COPD mainly affects smokers (90% of COPD patients), and is the number five cause of death worldwide. It is characterized by chronic inflammation in the small airways of the lung. There is no cure.
The study involved 11,897 American men and women.
Consumption of insoluble fiber has previously been associated with a reduced risk of obesity and diabetes, but the biological mechanism underlying the benefits has only been assumed.
American Journal of Epidemiology. “Dietary Fiber, Lung Function, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study” Authors: H. Kan, J. Stevens, G. Heiss, K.M. Rose, S.J. London (at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). 12/07.
