Whole grains

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Suggested2 studies

Three daily servings of whole grains reduce coronary heart disease risk by 19%

A meta-analysis of 7 prospective studies found a relative risk of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75–0.87) for coronary heart disease per 90 g/day increase in whole grain intake—equivalent to three servings such as two slices of bread and one bowl of cereal. Risk reductions continued up to 210–225 g/day. An umbrella review spanning 185 prospective studies and nearly 135 million person-years confirmed comparable 15–30% reductions when comparing highest versus lowest whole grain consumers, with dose-response patterns suggesting a potentially causal relationship. Whole grain bread, breakfast cereals, and added bran each independently contributed to lower risk, while refined grains and white rice showed no benefit. GRADE certainty was rated low to moderate, and pooled estimates remained robust across sensitivity analyses.

Evidence

Carbohydrate quality and human health:a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Authors: Cummings, John, Mann, Jim, Mete, Evelyn, Reynolds, Andrew, Te Morenga, Lisa, Winter, Nicola

Published: February 2, 2019

Across 185 prospective studies totalling nearly 135 million person-years, whole grain intake produced similar risk reduction patterns to dietary fibre for coronary heart disease, with comparable 15-30% reductions when comparing highest versus lowest consumers. Findings from prospective studies and clinical trials were complementary, and dose-response evidence indicated potentially causal relationships. GRADE assessment rated evidence certainty as low to moderate for whole grain outcomes. Random-effects pooled estimates remained robust through sensitivity analyses and meta-regression.

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Whole grain consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all cause and cause specific mortality: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies

Authors: Aune, D, Boffetta, P, Fadnes, LT, Giovannucci, E, Greenwood, DC, Keum, N, Norat, T, Riboli, E, Tonstad, S, Vatten, LJ

Published: January 1, 2016

Meta-analysis of 7 prospective studies found a summary relative risk of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75-0.87, I²=9%) for coronary heart disease per 90g/day increase in whole grain intake, equivalent to three servings such as two slices of bread and one bowl of cereal. Risk reductions were observed up to an intake of 210-225g/day (seven to seven and a half servings per day). Results were consistent when stratified by incidence versus mortality. Whole grain bread, whole grain breakfast cereals, and added bran were each independently associated with reduced risk. No association was found with refined grains, white rice, total rice, or total grains.

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