THE EFFECTS OF A HIGH-FIBER CEREAL-BASED BREAKFAST ON DAILY DIETARY INTAKES AND BOWEL FUNCTION

The aim of this study was to assess whether large amounts of cereal fibre, contained in a high-carbohydrate breakfast meal, could modify habitual daily intakes of energy and macronutrients and quantitative and qualitative composition of meals, and ultimately, affect bowel function. Twenty-four healthy adult volunteers (12 males and 12 females aged between 21 and 36) were recruited into the trial. All of them were either university students or graduates. Two high-fibre cereals (Kellogg's 'Bran Flakes' and Kellogg's 'All Bran') were ingested for 2 non-consecutive weeks in a breakfast meal that accounted for about 20% of the total daily energy intake. Dietary intakes were recorded for 3 days (2 week-days and 1 non-working day), and bowel function was also evaluated (using a questionnaire) before and during the trial. The ANOVA two-Way test showed a significant variation (P<0.05) in dietary fibre ingestion during the trial; however, no significant differences emerged with regard to energy and macronutrient intakes, or to the qualitative/quantitative composition of the subjects' habitual diet. Considerable improvements in bowel function were reported in virtually all of the subjects during the trial period. The findings indicate that although habitual daily intakes did not vary significantly, energy and nutrients were more rationally distributed during the course of the day; the intake of milk increased, and bowel function improved. Therefore an increase in dietary fibre has positive nutritional consequences for the overall diet.