Explore the rich history and role of refined grain enrichment and fortification in improving public health.
Refined grain
Refined grain intake and cardiovascular disease: Meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies (January 2024)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality globally, and dietary patterns, including grain intake, are often implicated in its development. This meta-analysis examined refined grain consumption as a distinct category to clarify its relationship with CVD risk, analyzing data from 17 prospective cohort studies (>875,000 participants).
Refined Grain Intake and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Commentary (August 2022)
This commentary from Glenn Gaesser, PhD. explores the association between refined grain consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend replacing refined grains with whole grains due to the recognized benefits of whole grains for reducing chronic disease risks.
Perspective: Whole and Refined Grains and Health Evidence Supporting “Make Half Your Grains Whole” (May 2020)
Dietary guidelines encourage consumers to “make half their grains whole,” yet debates continue about refined grains and grain-based foods (GBFs). This article counters misconceptions, advocating for a balanced intake of whole-grain foods (WGFs) and refined-grain foods (RGFs).
Grain Foods in US Infants Are Associated with Greater Nutrient Intakes, Improved Diet Quality and Increased Consumption of Recommended Food Groups (November 2019)
Grain foods may play an essential role in the diets of U.S. infants, according to an analysis of infant data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study examined relationships between grain consumption, nutrient intake, diet quality, and food group consumption among infants aged 6 to 23 months.
Perspective: Refined Grains and Health: Genuine Risk, or Guilt by Association? (May 2019)
Refined grains are often implicated in adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and obesity, largely based on dietary pattern studies. This perspective challenges the assumption that refined grains are inherently harmful, emphasizing the need to distinguish refined grains from other elements of the Western dietary pattern.
