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).
Key Points:
- Refined grain intake was not significantly associated with risks of CVD (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.99–1.18), stroke (HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.92–1.23), or heart failure (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.77–1.16).
- White rice intake also showed no association with CVD or stroke risk.
- Findings held true for both staple grains (bread, pasta, rice) and indulgent grain foods (cakes, pastries).
The study challenges assumptions about refined grains contributing to CVD risk, highlighting their neutral role in CVD when consumed as part of a diet.
Watch the Video Commentary
The press release provides a comprehensive summary of the study’s findings, which suggest no link between refined grain consumption and increased cardiovascular disease risk. For more details, read the full press release here.
