Low-fat diets lead to increased abnormal growths in the colon

This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 1994 May;47(5):525-36

 

Study title and authors:

A randomized trial of a low fat high fibre diet in the recurrence of colorectal polyps. Toronto Polyp Prevention Group.

McKeown-Eyssen GE, Bright-See E, Bruce WR, Jazmaji V, Cohen LB, Pappas SC, Saibil FG.

Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7730878

This study investigated the effect of a low-fat, high fibre diet on the recurrence of neoplastic colorectal polyps (abnormal growths in the colon) in patients who had had previous colorectal polyps removed. The study lasted for two years and included 201 patients who had diets of the following:
(i) Given counselling to follow a low-fat, high-fibre diet: 25% fat and 35 grams a day of fibre (lower-fat , higher-fibre group).
(ii) Told to follow a normal higher-fat, lower-fibre diet: 33% fat and 16 grams a day of fibre (higher-fat, lower-fibre group).

The study found that the lower-fat, higher-fibre group had a 20% increased risk of recurrence of abnormal growths in the colon compared to the higher-fat, lower-fibre group.

Low fat diet leads to a 150% increase in colon cancer

This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine 2000 Apr 20;342(16):1149-55

 

Study title and authors:

Lack of effect of a low-fat, high-fiber diet on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. Polyp Prevention Trial Study Group.

Schatzkin A, Lanza E, Corle D, Lance P, Iber F, Caan B, Shike M, Weissfeld J, Burt R, Cooper MR, Kikendall JW, Cahill J.

National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10770979

This study investigated the association between fat and fibre consumption and the development of recurrent colorectal adenomas, which are precursors of most large-bowel cancers. The study lasted for four years and included 1,905 patients who were at least 35 years old and who had had one or more confirmed colorectal adenomas removed. All patients had no history of colorectal cancer.

The patients were assigned into two groups and advised to either:
(i) Lower their fat consumption to 20% of daily calories and up their fibre consumption to 18 grams per 1000 calories. (Lower fat, higher fibre group).
(ii) Carry on with their normal diet (fat consumption of 34% and fibre consumption of 10 grams per 1000 calories). (Higher fat, lower fibre group).

The study found:
(a) Both groups had similar rates of at least one recurrent adenoma although the incidence in the lower fat, higher fibre group was .2% more than the higher fat, lower fibre group.
(b) The lower fat, higher fibre group had a 150% increased risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to the higher fat, lower fibre group.

The data from the study shows that patients with colorectal adenomas have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer if they follow a low fat, high fibre diet.