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Fibre and colorectal cancer: a controversial question

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2007

Antoni Obrador
Antoni Obrador*
Affiliation:
Hospital Son Dureta, Servei de Digestiu, Andrea Doria 55, E-07014 Palma, Mallorca, Spain
*
*Corresponding author: Dr Antoni Obrador, fax +34 971 175228, email obrador@hsd.es
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Abstract

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Since the 1970s it has been postulated that dietary fibre is a protective factor against colorectal cancer. Several epidemiological studies have been performed following different designs (correlation studies, case–control, cohort) and overall they have supported the hypothesis of a benefit of dietary fibre. However, a few intervention trials have not demonstrated the preventive role of dietary fibre on the occurrence of adenomatous colorectal polyps. Nevertheless, there are multiple animal experimental studies that support the role of fibre in the prevention of colorectal cancer. In the present review, the most important contributions to this controversial question are revised. Finally, it is recommended to continue encouraging an increase in the daily consumption of fibre, since it probably plays an important role in the prevention of colorectal cancer, together with other beneficial effects.

Keywords

Colorectal cancerFibrePrevention of cancer
Type
Research Article
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 96 , Issue S1 , August 2006 , pp. S46 - S48
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2006

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