TABLE 11.
Evidence statement and components | Grade | Rating | Notes |
Regular consumption of breakfast cereals may reduce the risk of hypertension | D | — | Body of evidence is weak and must be applied with caution |
Evidence base | Satisfactory | 3 Level II studies (RCTs) (all positive quality) | |
1 Level III study (cohort) (positive quality) | |||
2 Level IV studies (cross-sectional studies) (all positive quality) | |||
Consistency | Poor | 1 cohort and 2 cross-sectional studies suggest protective effect but 2 of 3 RCTs with oats show no effect | |
Clinical impact | Good | ORs: 0.64–0.81 in cohort and cross-sectional studies | |
Generalizability | Satisfactory | The largest cohort study and 1 of the RCTs are both in men only | |
Applicability | Excellent | Directly applicable in populations in whom breakfast cereals are consumed regularly | |
Regular consumption of breakfast cereals is not associated with an increased risk of hypertension | C | — | Body of evidence provides some support for recommendation but care should be taken in its application |
Evidence base | Satisfactory | 3 Level II studies (RCTs) (all positive quality) | |
1 Level III study (cohort) (positive quality) | |||
3 Level IV studies (cross-sectional studies) (all positive quality) | |||
Consistency | Excellent | None show increased blood pressure or risk of hypertension | |
Clinical impact | Poor | Nil effect | |
Generalizability | Satisfactory | The largest cohort study and 1 of the RCTs are both in men only | |
Applicability | Excellent | Directly applicable in populations in whom breakfast cereals are consumed regularly |
RCT, randomized controlled trial.