Diets low in fiber, defined as less than 25 grams per day, are linked to approximately 13,145 deaths and 305,676 years of lost healthy life from colorectal cancer globally in 2021, with the greatest impact seen in people over 50 and in low- and middle-income countries.

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Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

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Community contributions welcome

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Global, regional, and national burden of disease associated with low-fiber dietary patterns for colorectal cancer from 1990 to 2021: A systematic analysis for the global burden of disease 2021

Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Human

2026 Mar 13

This study found that people who eat too little fiber are much more likely to get colorectal cancer and die from it, especially older adults and people in poorer countries. It confirms that not eating enough fiber is a big reason for these cancers worldwide.

Contradicting (0)

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No contradicting evidence found

Gold Standard Evidence Needed

According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

Global, regional, and national burden of disease associated with low-fiber dietary patterns for colorectal cancer from 1990 to 2021: A systematic analysis for the global burden of disease 2021

Score: 39

DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000047982

Similar Assertions

Although the rate of colorectal cancer deaths per person has decreased since 1990, the total number of deaths from this cancer linked to low-fiber diets has risen because the global population has grown and aged.

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87%

Adults who consume more dietary fiber, based on detailed food records, have a lower statistical likelihood of developing colorectal cancer compared to those with the lowest fiber intake, even after accounting for other lifestyle and dietary factors.

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84%

People who consume more dietary fiber relative to their total energy intake have a lower likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.

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84%

Eating more fiber might help people live longer by lowering their chances of dying from cancer.

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82%

Colorectal cancer deaths linked to low-fiber diets are highest in middle-income countries and lower in both poorer and wealthier countries, suggesting that economic development and dietary changes interact in complex ways with cancer risk.

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82%