Latest Research Shows Lower Likelihood of Metabolic Syndrome With a Cereal Breakfast

4 June 2013 --- Adults who eat breakfast – especially if that breakfast includes ready-to-eat cereal – are less likely to have metabolic syndrome and many of the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome according to new research published in the June issue of The Journal of Aging Research and Clinical Practice (JARCP).

In adults ages 19-50, cereal eaters were less likely than those who skip breakfast to be overweight or obese, have elevated blood pressure, elevated waist circumferences, elevated triglycerides, and elevated glucose, all risk factors for metabolic syndrome. They were also less likely to have low-HDL ("good" cholesterol), another criteria used to determine metabolic syndrome.

"One possible reason for cereal's benefit is that cereal can contribute fiber and whole grain to the diet," said Lisa Sanders, PhD, RD, Kellogg Company nutrition communications business partner and one of the study authors. "Previous studies have shown cereal fiber to be associated with reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. People who regularly eat cereal for breakfast also tend to have higher nutrient intakes, which may also contribute to the benefit of cereal seen in this study."

The study used data from the 2001-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys to compare adults who skip breakfast to those who eat breakfast and, more specifically, those who eat ready-to-eat cereal for breakfast. For the analysis, adults were divided into two age groups based on Institute of Medicine classifications; 19-50 years of age and 51-70 years of age. Most of the benefit of breakfast and cereal was seen in the 19-50 age group.