Lack of effect of a high-fiber cereal supplement on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. Phoenix Colon Cancer Prevention Physicians' Network.

Study answer

What this study found

High-fiber wheat-bran cereal did not reduce recurrence of colorectal adenomas. By last follow-up, recurrent adenomas were seen in 47.0% (338/719) of the high-fiber group versus 51.2% (299/584) of the low-fiber group, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.70 to 1.11; P=0.28). Recurrence by number of adenomas was also null (relative risk 0.99, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.36; P=0.93). Gastrointestinal symptoms were more common in the high-fiber group, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, and bloating.

Study & population

Randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial in adults aged 40 to 80 years with one or more histologically confirmed colorectal adenomas removed within the prior 3 months.

Intervention

Oral wheat-bran cereal supplement taken daily for 3 years.

Key limitation

The trial did not show a statistically significant benefit and the confidence intervals allow only modest effects in either direction.

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Original abstract