July 13, 2006 – Eating whole-grain cereals may protect against gum disease, such as periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss, according to Canadian researchers at McMaster University in Ontario1.
In fact, men who regularly consume whole-grain bread and rice as well as popcorn reduce their risk of suffering from periodontitis by almost a quarter.
The Dr Anwar Merchant and his colleagues draw their conclusions from an analysis of data from an epidemiological study that followed the health and diet of 34,000 men for 14 years. None of the participants had periodontitis at the start of the study, but just under 2,000 did at the end. However, heavy consumers of whole grains were 23% less likely to suffer from this problem than those who ate little or none at all.
According to the data obtained, the men who consumed the most whole grains also generally had better lifestyle habits than the others, particularly with regard to smoking, physical activity and diet. The protective effect of whole grains against periodontitis, however, would resist the inclusion of these factors in the analysis.
Previous studies have shown that diabetes and high blood glucose levels increase the risk and severity of periodontitis. Other studies have found that consuming whole grains helps regulate blood glucose levels. The study of Dr Merchant specifies that consuming whole grains would protect non-diabetics against periodontitis.
The principal investigator admits that these results may have been influenced by the fact that the data was collected using a mailed questionnaire. They believe, however, that any possible distortion of the results would be minimal.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to the New Observer.
1. Merchant AT, Pitiphat W et al. Whole-grain and fiber intakes and periodontitis risk in men, Am J Clin Nutr, 2006 Jun; 83 (6): 1395-400.
