The intake of higher levels of wholegrain and cereal fibre in older adults has been linked to lower total body fat, in a study by the American Society for Nutrition.

The objective of the study, carried out on 434 adults (177 men and 257 women) between 60-80 years old, was to examine associations between grain intake (whole and refined), dietary fibre and fibre sources, and body fat among older adults.

The findings, published in The Journal of Nutrition, revealed that a higher intake of cereal fibre, particularly from wholegrain sources, was linked with lower total body fat and trunk fat mass percentage in older adults.

According to foodproductdesign.com, participants who consumed the highest amounts of wholegrain had approximately 2.4% less total body fat and 3.6% less abdominal fat than those who ate the least. When only cereal fibre was taken into account, those who consumed the most had 3.2% less body fat and 5% less abdominal fat than those who ate the least amount.

No significant links were observed between the intake of total fibre, vegetable or fruit fibre and body composition measurements.