Short Term (14 Days) Consumption of Insoluble Wheat Bran Fibre-Containing Breakfast Cereals Improves Subjective Digestive Feelings, General Wellbeing and Bowel Function in a Dose Dependent Manner

Abstract

This study investigated whether increasing insoluble (predominantly wheat bran) fibre over 14 days improves subjective digestive feelings, general wellbeing and bowel function. A single centre, multi-site, open, within subjects design with a 14 day non-intervention (baseline) monitoring period followed by a 14 day fibre consumption (intervention) period was performed. 153 low fibre consumers (<15 g/day AOAC 985.29) completed a daily symptom diary for 14 days after which they consumed one bowl of ready-to-eat breakfast cereal containing at least 5.4 g fibre (3.5 g from wheat bran) for 14 days and completed a daily symptom diary. Significant improvements were demonstrated in subjective perception of bowel function (e.g., ease of defecation) and digestive feelings (bloating, constipation, feeling sluggish and digestive discomfort). Significant improvements were also found in subjective perception of general wellbeing (feeling less fat, more mentally alert, slim, happy and energetic whilst experiencing less stress, mental and physical tiredness, difficulty concentrating and fewer headaches). In general, improvements in study outcomes increased with increasing cereal/fibre consumption. However, consuming an additional minimum 5.4 g of fibre (3.5 g wheat bran) per day was shown to deliver measurable and significant benefits for digestive health, comfort and wellbeing. Encouraging consumption of relatively small amounts of wheat bran could also provide an effective method of increasing overall fibre consumption.

Extrinsic wheat fibre consumption enhances faecal bulk and stool frequency; a randomized controlled trial

“…For instance, similar to Jenkins et al 11 we found an increase of 2.7 grams of FWW for each gram of supplemented dietary fibre. Moreover, we found an increase of 0.95 grams of FDW per day and an increase in stool frequency of 0.006 times per day for each gram of dietary fibre added to the diet, which is in line with data reported in the review of de Vries et al 2 For the effect of intact wheat fibre on stool consistency, previous results are inconsistent as some studies show that wheat fibre 'loosens stool', 13 whereas others report no significant effect. 14 The latter fits our results.…”

Randomised clinical trial: mixed soluble/insoluble fibre vs. psyllium for chronic constipation

“…It is known that insoluble fibres such as inulin, bran and rye may cause more bloating and flatulence and sometimes this is a reason for discontinuation of treatment . In one study of wheat bran (insoluble fibre), bloating improved but flatulence worsened . Here, we found that approximately 50% of patients in the mixed fibre group reported improvement in bloating and this percentage was twofold higher than that seen in the psyllium group.…”

Associations between breakfast eating habits and health-promoting lifestyle, suboptimal health status in Southern China: a population based, cross sectional study

“…Smith et al [45] have also shown that habitual breakfast consumption is was associated with a lower prevalence with respect to the common cold. Lawton et al [46] previously reported that consumption of high fibre breakfast cereals may improve self-assessed digestive functionality and general wellbeing.…”