Review
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng.
World J Gastroenterol. May 28, 2009; 15(20): 2479-2488
Published online May 28, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.2479
Table 2 Observational studies of dietary fiber consumption and DD risk in man
DesignFindingsCommentsReference
Case control study comparing dietary fiber intake in 100 (symptomatic) DD cases vs 80 age and sex matched controlsDietary fiber intake significantly higher amongst controlsStudy participants were patients hospitalized due to diverticulosis; again symptoms may have influenced their dietManousos et al[12]
Prevalence of DD assessed by barium enema in 189 non-vegetarian volunteers vs 55 vegetariansDiverticular disease was significantly higher in the non- vegetarian group"Asymptomatic" volunteers recruited prior to diagnosis and grouped based on dietary choices. A potential confounder is a possible causative effect for meatGear et al[104]
Case control study comparing dietary fiber intake in 40 (symptomatic) DD cases vs 80 age and sex matched controlsDietary fiber intake significantly higher amongst controlsDietary fiber intake was "estimated" by dieticians. Symptomatic DD patients were studied so the symptoms may have influenced their dietBrodribb et al[62]
"Prospective" case control study. As part of the Health professionals follow up study, 43 881 US men aged 40-75 followed over 6 years, for self reported diagnosesDietary fiber intake significantly lower in cases RR = 0.63The largest and potentially most informative study. Crucially, the participants were not clinically examined for DD prior to the study. So we cannot rule out effects of DD on dietary choicesAldoori et al[63]
Case control study comparing dietary fiber intake between 86 right-sided DD cases and 106 controlsNo relationship between DD and fiber consumptionOnly study on right-sided DD, negative finding may indicate either a different etiology or perhaps right-sided DD just has fewer effects that might influence diet choiceLin et al[64]