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Cancer Causes & Control
Published in: Cancer Causes & Control 4/2012

01-04-2012 | Review article

Carbohydrates, glycemic index, glycemic load, and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Authors: D. Aune, D. S. M. Chan, R. Lau, R. Vieira, D. C. Greenwood, E. Kampman, T. Norat

Published in: Cancer Causes & Control | Issue 4/2012

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Abstract

Background

Dietary carbohydrate, glycemic index, and glycemic load are thought to influence colorectal cancer risk through hyperinsulinemia. We review and quantitatively summarize in a meta-analysis the evidence from prospective cohort studies.

Methods

We searched the PubMed database for prospective studies of carbohydrate, glycemic index, and glycemic load and colorectal cancer risk, up to October 2011. Summary relative risks were estimated by the use of a random effects model.

Results

We identified 14 cohort studies that could be included in the meta-analysis of carbohydrate, glycemic index, and glycemic load and colorectal cancer risk. The summary RR for high versus low intake was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.87–1.14, I 2 = 31%) for carbohydrate, 1.07 (95% CI: 0.99–1.16, I 2 = 28%) for glycemic index, and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.91–1.10, I 2 = 39%) for glycemic load. In the dose–response analysis, the summary RR was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.84–1.07, I 2 = 58%) per 100 grams of carbohydrate per day, 1.07 (95% CI: 0.99–1.15, I 2 = 39%) per 10 glycemic index units, and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.95–1.08, I 2 = 47%) per 50 glycemic load units. Exclusion of one or two outlying studies reduced the heterogeneity, but the results were similar.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis of cohort studies does not support an independent association between diets high in carbohydrate, glycemic index, or glycemic load and colorectal cancer risk.
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Metadata
Title
Carbohydrates, glycemic index, glycemic load, and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors
D. Aune
D. S. M. Chan
R. Lau
R. Vieira
D. C. Greenwood
E. Kampman
T. Norat
Publication date
01-04-2012
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
Cancer Causes & Control / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0957-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7225
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-012-9918-9

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