By Jeff Stier, Esq.
Posted: Tuesday, July 27, 1999

LETTER
Publication Date: July 27, 1999

To the Editor:

Jane Brody was correct to advise us to continue to consume fiber, despite a recent Harvard study that found fiber not to be protective against colon cancer ("Keep the Fiber Bandwagon Rolling, for Heart and Health," July 20).

The fact that this article was even necessary points out the perils of making unwarranted health claims.

Unlike Ms. Brody's column, many reports about the Harvard study failed to put fiber into perspective. Consumers thus got the wrong message: that fiber isn't so important. How ironic, given that cereal makers were leading advocates of the as-yet unproven theory that fiber prevents colon cancer.

Had companies merely stuck with mainstream science, and not overstated the case, both they and the public would be better off.

Source Notes:  
Published in NYTimes Science Times—July 27, 1999