People who get enough fiber in their diets, particularly from whole grains, may have a lower risk of developing chronic lung disease than those who eat few high-fiber foods, a new study finds.
The study, of more than 100,000 U.S. adults followed between 1984 and 2000, found that those with the highest fiber intake at the outset had a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung disorders that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Out of the 111,580 study participants, 832 were diagnosed with COPD during the study period, for a rate of less than one percent. Of those cases, 234 were diagnosed among the one-fifth of study participants with the lowest fiber consumption; while 107 cases were seen among the one-fifth with the highest fiber intake.
When the researchers accounted for a number of other factors — including smoking, age, weight and exercise habits — the group with the highest fiber intake still had a one-third lower risk of COPD than the group that consumed the least fiber.
The study, of more than 100,000 U.S. adults followed between 1984 and 2000, found that those with the highest fiber intake at the outset had a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung disorders that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Out of the 111,580 study participants, 832 were diagnosed with COPD during the study period, for a rate of less than one percent. Of those cases, 234 were diagnosed among the one-fifth of study participants with the lowest fiber consumption; while 107 cases were seen among the one-fifth with the highest fiber intake.
When the researchers accounted for a number of other factors — including smoking, age, weight and exercise habits — the group with the highest fiber intake still had a one-third lower risk of COPD than the group that consumed the least fiber.
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