The effect of the fiber components cellulose and lignin on experimental colon neoplasia

Sixty Sprague‐Dawley rats were pair‐fed one of three nutritionally identical diets. One diet contained “low‐fiber” (3.8% crude fiber); the others contained “high fiber” (28.7% crude fiber) composed of either cellulose or lignin. Although both “high fiber” diets had similar stool bulking effects, only the cellulose diet was associated with a reduction in 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH)‐induced colon neoplasms. The cellulose diet was also associated with distinct changes in the gut bacterial profile and with a lowered serum cholesterol. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.