Dietary Fiber and Health
- Council on Scientific Affairs
Abstract
During the last 18 years, considerable research has been conducted on the role of dietary fiber in health and disease. Interest was stimulated by epidemiologic studies that associated a low intake of dietary fiber with the incidence of colon cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases and disorders. Dietary fiber is not a single substance. There are significant differences in the physiological effects of the various components of dietary fiber. A Recommended Dietary Allowance for dietary fiber has not been established. However, an adequate amount of dietary fiber can be obtained by choosing several servings daily from a variety of fiber-rich foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts.
(JAMA. 1989;262:542-546)
Footnotes
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This report was presented to the House of Delegates at the American Medical Association's Annual Meeting, June 1988, as an informational report of the Council on Scientific Affairs.
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This report is not intended to be construed or to serve as a standard of medical care. Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all of the facts and circumstances involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and patterns of practice evolve. This report reflects the views of scientific literature as of April 1988.
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Reprint requests to Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, 535 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 (William R. Hendee, PhD).
