Nutritivne karakteristike, fiziloški efekti i zdravstveni značaj dijetnih vlakana

Abstract

The aim of this work was to systematize dietary fiber, based on the current scientific literature, according to their nutritional characteristics, physiological effects and health significance. Dietary fiber consists of carbon hydrated polymers and non-starch polysaccharides, which are the primary components of plant cell wall. These are the edible parts of plants that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the small intestine, with complete or partial fermentation in the colon. Dietary fibers contains polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and lignin and has beneficial physiological effects including laxation, cholesterolemia reduction and glycemia. All dietary fiber can be divided into soluble (eg. lignin, pectin) and insoluble (eg. cellulose, hemicellulose) depending on the water solubility. Many studies have found that dietary fiber intake leads to a reduction in the risk of various chronic non-communicable health disorders (heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and some malignancies). A diet containing large amounts of dietary fiber can be abundant and of relatively low energy density. Increased dietary fiber intake is recommended for duodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, diverticulitis, constipation, hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer. There are significant differences between dietary fiber intake recommendations worldwide and lack of data on the effects and recommended intake of dietary fiber in children.