New study links fiber-rich diet to prevention of lung disease

NEW RESEACH reveals a diet rich in fiber could reduce the risk of developing lung disease in addition to providing protection against diabetes and heart disease.

The research titled “The Relationship between Dietary Fiber Intake and Lung Function in NHANES,” which was published online ahead of its publication in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, shows adults with fiber-heavy diets had improved lung function than adults who consume less fiber daily.

The study, which used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, involved 1,921 adults aged 40 to 79 who participated in NHANES in 2009-2010. The survey, which were administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were deemed unique because they combine interviews with physical examinations.

Researchers calculated fiber consumption based on the amount of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains study participants recalled eating. Adults who had a daily fiber consumption exceeding 17.5 grams belonged to the top quartile and totaled 571, the largest number of participants. Adults with less than 10.75 grams of fiber a day belonged to the lower group. They totaled 360 and comprised the smallest group. 

Study findings reveal that 68.3% of adults belonging to the top quartile of fiber intake had normal lung function compared with 50.1% from the bottom quartile. Participants with the highest fiber intake performed significantly better in two important breathing tests compared with adults with the lowest fiber intake. The former group also had a greater lung capacity (FVC) and could exhale more air in one second (FEV1) than those in the lowest quartile. About 15% had airway restriction as opposed to 29.8% of adults belonging to the bottom quartile.

The study involved adjustments for demographic and health factors such as smoking, weight and socioeconomic status, but did not adjust for physical activity. The NHANES data neither allowed the researchers to analyze fiber intake and lung function over time, limitations acknowledged by the authors.

Nevertheless, the researchers found an independent association between fiber and lung function. Citing previous research that could explain the beneficial effects of fiber that they noted, specifically fiber reducing inflammation in the body, researchers noted the link between inflammation and many lung diseases.

Moreover, researchers said fiber may reduce infections and release natural lung-protective chemicals to the body, citing previous studies showing fiber changing the composition of the gut microbiome.

According to lead author Corrine Hanson PhD, RD, an associate professor of medical nutrition at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, “Lung disease is an important public health problem, so it’s important to identify modifiable risk factors for prevention,”

“However, beyond smoking very few preventative strategies have been identified. Increasing fiber intake may be a practical and effective way for people to have an impact on their risk of lung disease,” Hanson further stated.

Hanson said that if further studies validate their findings, public health campaigns may one day “target diet and fiber as safe and inexpensive ways of preventing lung disease.”

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