(03-06-12) Lower lifetime dietary fiber intake is associated with carotid artery stiffness: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study.

van de Laar RJ, Stehouwer CD, van Bussel BC, Te Velde SJ, Prins MH, Twisk JW,
Ferreira I.
Source
Department of Internal Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam,
Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Fiber intake is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk. Whether
arterial stiffness is influenced by lifetime fiber intake is not known. Any
such association could explain, at least in part, the cardioprotective effects
attributed to fiber intake.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective was to investigate whether a lower intake of fiber (and fiber-
rich foods) throughout the course of young life (ie, from adolescence to
adulthood) is associated with arterial stiffness in adulthood.
DESIGN:
This was a longitudinal cohort study among 373 participants in whom dietary
intake was assessed between the ages of 13 to 36 y (2-8 repeated measures,
median of 5), and arterial stiffness estimates of 3 large arteries
(ultrasonography) were ascertained at age 36 y.
RESULTS:
After adjustment for sex, height, total energy intake, and other lifestyle
variables, subjects with stiffer carotid arteries consumed less fiber (in g/d)
during the 24-y study than did those with less stiff carotid arteries, as
defined on the basis of the highest compared with the lowest sex-specific
tertiles of the distensibility and compliance coefficients (reversed) and
Young's elastic modulus: -1.9 (95% CI: -3.1, -0.7), -2.3 (-3.5, -1.1), and -1.3
(-2.5, -0.0), respectively. Furthermore, subjects with stiffer carotid arteries
were characterized by a lower lifetime consumption of fruit, vegetables, and
whole grains-deleterious associations that could be explained, to a great
extent, by related low fiber intake.
CONCLUSIONS:
Lower lifetime intake of fiber during the course of young age is associated
with carotid artery stiffness in adulthood. Promoting consumption of fiber-rich
foods among the young may offer a means to prevent accelerated arterial
stiffening in adulthood and related cardiovascular sequelae.

Source: Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 May 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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