Refined grains are often highlighted as a food that is over-consumed by Americans, with recommendations to limit or reduce intake in healthy dietary patterns. However, enriched and fortified refined grain food products, including bagels, tortillas, rolls, and bread, are a key source of micronutrients in the U.S. diet. Modeling the Contribution of Enrichment and Fortification […]
Refined grain
Bread Consumption and Cancer Risk: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies (April 2026)
A study published in Current Developments in Nutrition and selected as an Editors’ Choice in ASN’s newsletter reveals reassuring insights about bread consumption. Conducted by GFF’s Scientific Advisory Board members, Dr. Glenn A. Gaesser and Dr. Siddhartha S. Angadi, a comprehensive meta-analysis of 24 studies encompassing nearly 1.9 million participants, primarily from Europe, concluded that bread intake does not increase cancer risk. Key findings: These […]
Study Links Grain Foods to Healthier Diet Patterns, Metabolic Health and Everyday Accessibility (September 2025)
A new study published in Nutrients, which analyzed the diets of more than 14,000 Americans over five years, found that both whole and refined grain foods play a role in improved diet quality, nutrient intake and everyday accessibility.
White Paper: History and Public Health Benefits of Enrichment and Fortification of Refined Grains (March 2025)
Explore the rich history and role of refined grain enrichment and fortification in improving public health.
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.
