Whole-grain consumption and cardiometabolic risk: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Sina Naghshi, Sevil Kiani, Alireza Ostadrahimi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis of randomized trials assessed how whole-grain intake affects cardiometabolic risk factors. It included 87 trials (101 publications) and estimated effects per 48 g/day increment in whole grains (dry weight). Intake at this increment was associated with small reductions in body weight, waist circumference, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure, and interleukin-6. The largest effects for most outcomes were observed at approximately 60–100 g/day, although evidence certainty varied and data at higher intakes were sparse.
Key findings
- Per 48 g/day increment, body weight decreased by MD: -.20 kg (95% CI: -.31 to -.09; n = 41), with high certainty.
- Total cholesterol decreased by -.10 mmol/L (95% CI: -.13 to -.07; n = 54) per 48 g/day increment, with high certainty.
- Moderate-certainty reductions included LDL cholesterol (-.07 mmol/L), triglycerides (-.04 mmol/L), fasting plasma glucose (-.03 mmol/L), and systolic blood pressure (-.82 mmHg) per 48 g/day increment.
- Non-linear analyses found the greatest effects at 60-100 g/day for most outcomes; sparse data at higher intakes limited conclusions about dose thresholds.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that whole-grain intake can modestly improve several cardiometabolic risk factors, rather than affecting only one pathway or measure. The dose-response analyses may help frame dietary research and counseling, but the varied certainty across outcomes and limited evidence at higher intakes mean that precise intake thresholds should not be inferred.
What to keep in mind
Evidence certainty varied by outcome, and sparse data at higher intake levels limited firm conclusions about dose thresholds.