The Impact of Dietary Fiber on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Scoping Review

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, placing an ever-increasing burden on healthcare systems. Dietary factors play a crucial role in the development and progression of CVD. Among them, dietary fiber has emerged as a potential modifiable factor with the potential to impact CVD risk. However, the specific and independent effects of dietary fiber on CVD are still not fully understood, making this area of research both challenging and of great significance. Methods: The publications of human studies involving the impact of dietary fiber on CVD were retrieved from databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CBM, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). A search was conducted within these databases for studies published between 2014 and 20 March 2024. The included literature was screened and summarized. Results: A total of seven articles were included, and the related studies encompassed various types of dietary fiber, including soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, as well as research from different countries and regions. The outcome indicators involved an important measure known as the hazard ratio (HR). Conclusions: Increasing the intake of dietary fiber could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases through various mechanisms. To increase the consumption of dietary fiber from multiple sources, it would be beneficial to develop and promote healthcare interventions to enhance people's awareness of the health benefits of dietary fiber, promote the consumption of fiber-rich foods, and advocate for a healthier diet.