Two large studies have found that a low-fat, high-fiber diet does not appear to lower the risk of recurrence of colon polyps.
One study, the Polyp Prevention Trial, showed that a diet low in fat and high in fiber from fruits and vegetables did not prevent the return of polyps after removal (polypectomy).1 The other study revealed that high-fiber cereal supplements also did not prevent polyp recurrence.2
The researchers who worked on these studies say that it is still possible that a high-fiber diet may help prevent recurrence of colon polyps. Colon cancer takes a long time to develop. Critics believe that these studies were not done long enough for researchers to conclude with certainty that fiber has no benefit.
Despite the disappointing results, doctors still recommend a low-fat, high-fiber diet because there is evidence that such a diet may prevent heart disease. A diet low in fat and high in fiber also may prevent development of potentially painful pouches in the colon called diverticula.
References
Citations
Schatzkin A, et al. (2000). Lack of effect of a low-fat, high-fiber diet on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(16): 1149–1155.
Alberts DS, et al. (2000). Lack of effect of a high-fiber cereal supplement on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(16): 1156–1162.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | May 14, 2007 |
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