Carbohydrates and Health

Cereal fibre excluding oat fibre and energy intake
• No effect
• Moderate evidence
Faecal weight and intestinal transit time
Wheat fibre
8.97 Fourteen randomised controlled trials were identified that presented evidence on
wheat fibre in relation to faecal weight, all of which were included in a metaanalysis
(Southgate et al., 1976; Stasse-Wolthuis et al., 1980; Andersson et al., 1983;
Spiller et al., 1986; Stevens et al., 1988; Tomlin & Read, 1988; Cummings et al., 1996;
Jenkins et al., 1998; Vuksan et al., 1999; Jenkins et al., 1999a; McRorie et al., 2000;
McIntosh et al., 2003; Bird et al., 2008; Vuksan et al., 2008). One trial provided two
estimates on faecal output (Jenkins et al., 1999a) (Colo-rectal health review). No
further trials were identified in the update search.
8.98 Twelve randomised controlled trials were identified that presented evidence on
wheat fibre in relation to intestinal transit time (Connell & Smith, 1974; Jenkins et al.,
1975; Wyman et al., 1976; Stasse-Wolthuis et al., 1980; Andersson et al., 1983; Spiller
et al., 1986; Stevens et al., 1988; Tomlin & Read, 1988; Cummings et al., 1996; Vuksan
et al., 1999; Muir et al., 2004; Vuksan et al., 2008) (Colo-rectal health review). No
further trials were identified in the update search.
8.99 An effect is demonstrated for wheat fibre (10-25g/day) on increasing faecal
weight (mean difference 68g/day, 95% CI 59, 77; p