Protection against cancer by wheat bran: role of dietary fibre and phytochemicals

Human intervention and animal studies have shown that supplementing the die t with wheat bran can protect against the development of a range of cancers , especially those of the colon and breast. Wheat bran is a rich source of dietary fibres (plant cell walls) that have structures and compositions whi ch indicate that they may protect against cancer. Nevertheless, dietary fib re makes up less than half of wheat bran, Other nutrients and phytochemical s are present in wheat bran, some of which may also protect against cancer. These include phytic acid and various phenolic components such as phenolic acids, lignans and flavonoids. A major goal of future research on wheat br an should be to determine the relative roles in cancer prevention of the di fferent components in wheat bran, (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.