The Claim

Runners of both sexes with a daily dietary fibre intake 3 g/day lower than average have an increased risk of running-related injury.

Source: Diet, risk of disordered eating and running-related injury in adult distance runners: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
39score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Runners who consume 3 grams less dietary fibre per day than average have a higher rate of running-related injuries.

See the scientific wording

Runners of both sexes with lower daily dietary fibre intake (by an average of 3 g/day) have an increased risk of running-related injury, based on moderate-certainty evidence from a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Why this might work

When people eat less fibre, the good bacteria in their gut make fewer chemicals that calm inflammation. This causes more inflammation throughout the body, which slows down the healing of muscles and tendons after running, making injuries more likely.

Suggested mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Diet, risk of disordered eating and running-related injury in adult distance runners: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

    Runners who eat less fibre each day are more likely to get injured while running, according to a review of many studies. This doesn’t mean fibre stops injuries, but it’s a pattern that shows up again and again.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.