To evaluate the relationships of fibre intake with subsequent BMI sd-score, waist-to-height ratio and serum fasting glucose levels among school-age Japanese children.

This is a prospective study of school-age Japanese children. Participants were followed from 6–7 to 9–10 years of age (follow-up rate: 92·0 %). Fibre intake was assessed using a validated FFQ. Serum fasting glucose was measured by a hexokinase enzymatic method. Using a general linear model, the associations between dietary fibre intake at baseline and BMI sd-score, waist-to-height ratio, and serum levels of fasting glucose at follow-up were evaluated after considering potential confounding factors.

Public elementary schools in a city in Japan

A total of 2784 students.

The estimated means for fasting glucose at 9–10 years of age were 86·45, 85·68, 85·88 and 85·58 mg/dl in the lowest, second, third and highest quartile of fibre intake at 6–7 years of age, respectively (P = 0·033, trend P = 0·018). Higher fibre intake at 6–7 years of age was associated with lower waist-to-height ratio at 9–10 years of age (trend P = 0·023). The change in fibre intake was inversely associated with concurrent change of BMI sd-score (trend P = 0·044).

These results suggest that dietary fibre intake may be potentially effective to limit excess weight gain and lower glucose levels during childhood.