Whole-grain consumption and cardiometabolic risk: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors' conclusion
Whole-grain intake was associated with improvements in multiple cardiometabolic risk factors, with larger effects generally observed at intakes of ∼60-100 g/day.
Study context
- Population
- Randomised trials of whole grains and cardiometabolic risk factors87 trials (101 publications)
- Comparison
- Whole-grain intake, per 48 g/day increment
- Outcome
- Cardiometabolic risk factors (MD per 48 g/day whole grains)
Methodological detailsrandom-effects
- Random-effects
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Cardiometabolic risk factors per 48 g/day whole grains
Whole grainsMD, kg (95% CI)
Body weight; n = 41 trials; high certainty
−.20(−.31 to −.09)
Per 48 g/day whole grains, as printed
Whole grainsMD, cm (95% CI)
Waist circumference; n = 27 trials; high certainty
−.22(−.39 to −.06)
Per 48 g/day whole grains, as printed
Whole grainsMD, mmol/L (95% CI)
Total cholesterol; n = 54 trials; high certainty
−.10(−.13 to −.07)
LDL-C; n = 52 trials; moderate certainty
−.07(−.10 to −.05)
TG; n = 52 trials; moderate certainty
−.04(−.06 to −.02)
Fasting plasma glucose; n = 44 trials; moderate certainty
−.03(−.06 to −.00)
Per 48 g/day whole grains, as printed
Whole grainsMD, pg/mL (95% CI)
interleukin-6; n = 12 trials; high certainty
−.12(−.23 to −.00)
Per 48 g/day whole grains, as printed
Whole grainsMD, mmHg (95% CI)
SBP; n = 32 trials; moderate certainty
−.82(−1.49 to −.15)
Per 48 g/day whole grains, as printed
Further pooled results
Dose–response (non-linear analyses)
- Greatest effects at 60-100 g/day for most outcomes; at higher intakes (up to 180-220 g/day) for a few
Original publication
Whole-grain consumption and cardiometabolic risk: a meta-analysis of randomized trials. Eur Heart J. Published 15 September 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →