Fiber-Feeding and Atherosclerosis

To the Editor.— Dr Vaisrub (235:182, 1976) correctly questions the logic of taking one factor (bran intake) from the life-style of native villagers and attempting to alter urban disease patterns with it. Western man should adopt as much of the native life-style as he can if he wants to be successful in avoiding city diseases. We advocate the life-style of the marathon runner (231:23, 1975), which does include increased dietary fiber intake. However, it also includes high daily mileage on foot (in the range of 10 to 15 km/day) and avoidance of tobacco. The index of success is the 42km hike. Thus far, those reaching this level of fitness appear immune to atherosclerosis. We agree that the effects of bran alone lack aesthetic appeal and are unlikely to stir the imagination. However, the entire life-style results in the ability to cover great distances on foot, and this does excite many cardiac