Fiber intake is associated with heart disease risk

A high intake of dietary fiber may decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000 was used to examine the association between dietary fiber intake and serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) in 3,920 adults. An elevated level of this protein in the blood indicates inflammation and can be predictive of coronary artery disease and heart attack. The participants with the highest intakes of dietary fiber had the lowest levels of CRP in their blood, even after adjusting for age, gender, race, education, physical activity, BMI, and total fat and calorie intake. Excluding participants with cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or cancer did not alter the results. Fiber intake is independently associated with serum CRP concentration, supporting the recommendation of a diet with a high fiber content.