Whole Grain Intake, Anthropometric Measures, Cardiometabolic Markers and Gut Microbiota in Children: A Narrative Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Nutrition Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

10.30476/ijns.2026.108185.1551

Abstract

Whole grain consumption plays a crucial role in promoting public health, with particular importance for the growth and long-term health of children. This review aimed to summarize and highlight the anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and gut microbiota-related health benefits of whole grain intake in children and adolescents. This is a narrative review with a focus on English-language articles that have been published up until January 2024. Included studies in this review were selected from reputable databases, specifically PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar due to their comprehensive and diverse collection of relevant literature for analysis. Even though there are large knowledge gaps in this topic concerning children, current observational and interventional studies acknowledge these mentioned health benefits in children and adolescents. Moreover, it appears that the health advantages of whole grain intake in children are more significant in cardiometabolic and gut microbiota health indices than in anthropometric ones. Improved cardiometabolic outcomes, particularly about lipid metabolism, and more favorable gut microbiota diversity are the notable health benefits reported in the examined studies. In conclusion, this review underscores the need for greater awareness and encouragement to integrate whole grains into the diets of children and adolescents to reap the associated health-protective effects. Yet, we suggest further research for better clarity and stronger evidence due to the sparsity and vagueness of the existing studies.

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