Burden and trend of ischemic heart disease and colorectal cancer attributable to a diet low in fiber in China, 1990-2017: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Purpose The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has increased in China. However, the contribution of dietary risks to the NCD burden has not been evaluated. This study aimed to estimate the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) attributable to a diet low in fiber in China from 1990 to 2017. Methods China data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017 were used to assess the age-, sex-, and province-specific mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of IHD and CRC related to a diet low in fiber. Results In 2017, a diet low in fiber contributed 170,143 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 99,623-256,806] IHD deaths and 25,561 (95% UI: 13,726-39,215) CRC deaths, with the population attributable fractions (PAFs) were 9.7 and 13.7%, respectively. Males had higher risk-attributable mortality and DALY rates for IHD and CRC than females. An upward trend with age in rates of mortality and DALY was observed. All-age risk-attributable mortality and DALY rates increased significantly by 111.4 and 53.2% for IHD, and 94.4 and 59.6% for CRC from 1990 to 2017, respectively; however, the corresponding age-standardized rates for IHD and CRC showed relatively stable trends. Heilongjiang, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia were ranked as the top three provinces in terms of total risk-attributable NCD burden in 2017. Conclusions China has a large and growing NCD burden attributable to a diet low in fiber. Greater priority in disease prevention and control should be given to male and older adults throughout China, particularly in some western provinces.

Automated summary

The burden of ischemic heart disease and colorectal cancer attributable to a diet low in fiber in China has increased significantly from 1990 to 2017, with males and older adults being at higher risk. Priority in disease prevention and control should be given to these populations, especially in western provinces.