Health Benefits Of Dietary Fiber Research Articles

Association Between Dietary Fiber Intake and Low Muscle Strength Among Korean Adults.

The health benefits of dietary fiber are widely recognized, but its impact on muscle health remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the relationship between dietary fiber intake and muscle strength through a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Korea National Health and Examination Survey (KNHANES). Data from a single 24-h dietary recall and handgrip strength tests of 10,883 younger adults aged 19 to 64 years and 3,961 older adults aged ≥ 65 years were analyzed. Low muscle strength was defined as handgrip strength < 28 kg for men and < 18 kg for women. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association of dietary fiber intake with muscle strength. Approximately 43% of Korean adults met the recommended intake of dietary fiber, and those with higher dietary fiber consumption also had higher total energy and protein intake. After adjusting for confounding variables, dietary fiber intake was found to be positively associated with maximal handgrip strength in younger women aged 19 to 64 years (β = 0.015; standard error [SE] = 0.006) and older men aged ≥ 65 years (β = 0.035; SE = 0.014). For older women aged ≥ 65 years, those in the lowest quartile of dietary fiber intake had a higher risk of low muscle strength than those in the highest quartile after adjustment of confounders (odds ratio 1.709; 95% confidence interval 1.130-2.585). These results suggest that adequate dietary fiber intake may reduce the risk of sarcopenia in older Korean women.

Is Better Knowledge about Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber Related to Food Labels Reading Habits? A Croatian Overview.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between health dietary patterns, knowledge, and consumption of dietary fiber (DF) with frequency of food label reading on food products with special reference to DF. The study was conducted in 2536 Croatian adults using an original questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess associations between food label reading habits and predictor variables. Our study confirms the association between habits regarding the reading of labels on food products, especially in relation to information about DF with the sociodemographic factors of respondents, dietary food patterns and DF consumption, as well as knowledge and sources of information about DF. Women, individuals with a university-level education, and those living in an urban environment had more frequent labels used. Food habits as well as eating outside of the home were positive predictors while eating fast food was a negative predictor of food label reading. Knowledge about DF, especially about its health benefits, was also associated with food label reading. The interpretation of associations could help with the design of effective public health programs. Targeted education campaigns to educate and sensitize the population about food labeling and monitoring may improve general knowledge about healthy food and its benefits, which include indirect effects on the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases.

US Consumer Identification of the Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber and Consideration of Fiber When Making Food Choices.

The purposes of this study were to (1) determine beliefs in the health benefits of dietary fiber, an under-consumed nutrient of public health concern, and (2) determine the relationship between beliefs about dietary fiber and consideration of fiber when making food choices. We conducted a nationally representative within-subject randomized online survey of 42,018 US primary shoppers in May–June 2021. Participants selected health benefits they believed were associated with consumption of fiber from a list of six benefits recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one indirect benefit, and one unrelated benefit. Respondents then indicated which nutrients, if any, they considered when making food choices. Respondents selected 1.77 (95% CI = 1.76–1.77) FDA-recognized benefits out of a total six; half (50.6%) of respondents identified zero or one FDA-recognized benefit. The most-cited benefit was “improving bowel movements” (64.4%). Older participants perceived significantly more FDA-recognized fiber benefits. Identification of FDA-recognized benefits increased odds ratios for consideration of fiber during food choice (relative to zero benefits) from 3.0 for one benefit (95% CI = 2.8–3.3) to 14.3 for six benefits (95% CI = 12.4–16.6). Consumers are largely unaware of the many health benefits of dietary fiber, which dramatically decreases the likelihood that they consider this important, under-consumed nutrient during food choice.

Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber for the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), two components of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are painful conditions that affect children and adults. Despite substantial research, there is no permanent cure for IBD, and patients face an increased risk of colon cancer. Dietary fiber’s health advantages have been thoroughly investigated, and it is recommended for its enormous health benefits. This review article discusses the importance of appropriate fiber intake in managing IBD, emphasizing how optimal fiber consumption can significantly help IBD patients.

Non-enzymatically hydrolyzed guar gum and orange peel fibre together stabilize the low-fat, set-type yogurt: A techno-functional study

A combined integration of partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG) and orange peel fibre (OPF) into low-fat, set-type yogurt was explored. PHGG was produced using steam hydrolysis assisted by ultra-sonication while OPF (coarse fraction) was prepared from the dried orange peels. PHGG and OPF were further studied for their structural, physical, physico-chemical and rheological characteristics. PHGG exhibited shear thickening and Newtonian behaviour while, OPF showed shear thickening and non-Newtonian behaviour. Size determination of PHGG and OPF adjudged them as fine and coarse fibres, respectively. Four groups of yogurt were prepared by varying the concentration of PHGG (0–0.5% w/v) while, OPF (0.1% w/v) was kept constant. PHGG and OPF formed complimentary fibre networks which stabilized the yogurt gel by acting as filler and bridging agent, respectively. PHGG 0.25% (w/v) + OPF fortified yogurt presented superior rheological, textural and physico-chemical properties in comparison to plain and other fortified yogurts during storage (28 days, 4 °C). Scanning electron microscopy showed that fibre fortified yogurts had more structured and compact casein network as compared to plain yogurt. Thus, fortification with a combination of dietary fibres can not only improve the techno-functional properties of low-fat, set-type yogurt but also provide health benefits of dietary fibre and phytochemicals.

Aggregative and structural properties of wheat gluten induced by pectin

Pectin is a common food additive used for enhancing the health benefits of dietary fibers, and is the most structurally and functionally complex polysaccharide, rich in galacturonic acid. In this study, we investigated changes in the aggregative property of gluten, their rheological properties, and secondary structure, as well as in the gluten network, when supplemented by apple pectin. Adding pectin was shown to enhance the macromolecular aggregation of gluten, and improved the rheological properties of dough by inducing a dense network of gluten. The presence of pectin decreased α-helix content but increased β-sheet and β-turn structure of gluten, suggesting that pectin affected the hydration level of gluten, leading to the formation of aggregated β-structures. This study provides a better understanding of pectin functionality in wheat flour dough, and is valuable for guiding in the application of pectin in wheat flour food products.

The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre.

Background: Dietary fibre consists of non-digestible forms of carbohydrate, usually as polysaccharides that originate from plant-based foods. Over recent decades, our diet within Westernised societies has changed radically from that of our hominid ancestors, with implications for our co-evolved gut microbiota. This includes increased ingestion of ultra-processed foods that are typically impoverished of dietary fibre, and associated reduction in the intake of fibre-replete plant-based foods. Over recent decades, there has been a transformation in our understanding of the health benefits of dietary fibre. Objective: To explore the current medical literature on the health benefits of dietary fibre, with a focus on overall metabolic health. Data Sources: We performed a narrative review, based on relevant articles written in English from a PubMed search, using the terms ‘dietary fibre and metabolic health’. Results: In the Western world, our diets are impoverished of fibre. Dietary fibre intake associates with overall metabolic health (through key pathways that include insulin sensitivity) and a variety of other pathologies that include cardiovascular disease, colonic health, gut motility and risk for colorectal carcinoma. Dietary fibre intake also correlates with mortality. The gut microflora functions as an important mediator of the beneficial effects of dietary fibre, including the regulation of appetite, metabolic processes and chronic inflammatory pathways. Conclusions: Multiple factors contribute to our fibre-impoverished modern diet. Given the plethora of scientific evidence that corroborate the multiple and varied health benefits of dietary fibre, and the risks associated with a diet that lacks fibre, the optimization of fibre within our diets represents an important public health strategy to improve both metabolic and overall health. If implemented successfully, this strategy would likely result in substantial future health benefits for the population.

A Guide to Recommending Fiber Supplements for Self-Care.

The health benefits of dietary fiber are extensive and wide-ranging, yet most Americans do not consume the recommended amount of fiber from their diet. Fiber supplements may be used as a means to augment a low-fiber diet. But which, if any, of the benefits of dietary fiber are achieved through supplementation? And are all fiber supplements equally effective? An evidence-based approach to recommending fiber supplements for self-care will be discussed.

Whole Grains, Dietary Fibers and the Human Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review of Existing Literature.

The health benefits of dietary fibers have been proved for a long time. The importance of microbiota has been identified in human health and there is a growing interest to study the factors affecting it. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of fiber and whole grains (WGs) on human gut microbiota in a patent-based review. All related clinical trials were systematically searched on PubMed and Scopus search engines from inception up to Feb 2020. Interventional human studies reporting changes in microbiota by using any type of grains/fibers were included. The following information was extracted: date of the publication, location and design of the study, sample size, study population, demographic characteristics, the amount of dietary WGs/fiber, the duration of intervention, the types of grains or fibers, and changes in the composition of the microbiota. Of 138 studies which were verified, 35 studies with an overall population of 1080 participants, met the inclusion criteria and entered the systematic review. The results of interventional trials included in this review suggest some beneficial effects of consuming different amounts and types of WGs and fibers on the composition of intestinal microbiota. Most included studies showed that the intake of WGs and fibers increases bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and reduces the pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and clostridia in the human gut. The consumption of WGs/fibers may modify the intestinal microbiota and promote the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Nevertheless, further research is warranted in different populations and pathological conditions.

Insoluble dietary fibre intake is associated with lower prevalence of newly-diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese men: a large population-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe health benefits of dietary fibre (DF) intake on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are controversial. Thus, this large cross-sectional study aimed to determine the associations between DF intake and the prevalence of newly-diagnosed NAFLD in a large general population.MethodsA total of 23,529 participants were enrolled in the analyses. Newly-diagnosed NAFLD was diagnosed according to liver ultrasonography and history of alcohol intake. DF intake was assessed using a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the associations between DF intake and NAFLD.ResultsIn total, 18.81% (n = 4426) of the participants were newly diagnosed with NAFLD. Compared with the participants in the lowest quartile of DF intake, the ORs (95% CI) for the participants in the highest quartile were 0.81 (0.67, 0.97), 0.78 (0.62, 0.99), and 0.85 (0.62, 1.17) for all participants, men, and women, respectively. Compared with the participants in the lowest quartile of insoluble DF intake, the ORs (95% CI) for the participants in the highest quartile were 0.70 (0.58, 0.85), 0.60 (0.47, 0.76), and 0.95 (0.68, 1.32) in all participants, men, and women, respectively. No association was observed between soluble DF intake and NAFLD. DF from whole grain, soy foods, vegetables, and nuts but not fruits were negatively associated with NAFLD.ConclusionsA higher intake of insoluble DF is associated with lower prevalence of newly-diagnosed NAFLD in men. Moreover, intake DF from whole grain, soy foods, vegetables, and nuts, but not fruits have favorable effect on the prevalence of newly diagnosed NAFLD. Further cohort studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to validate this finding.

Hydroxycinnamic acids and human health: recent advances.

There is an urgent need to improve human diet globally. Compelling evidence gathered over the past several decades suggests that a suboptimal diet is associated with many chronic diseases and may be responsible for more deaths than any other risks worldwide. The main components in our diet that need higher intake are whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and nuts and seeds; all of these are important sources of dietary fiber and polyphenols. The health benefits of dietary fiber and polyphenols are also supported by several decades of valuable research. However, the conclusions drawn from interventional human trials are not straightforward and the action mechanisms in improving human health are not fully understood. Moreover, there is a great inter-individual variation caused by different individual capabilities of processing, absorbing and using these compounds effectively. Data on the bioavailability and bioefficacy of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) are limited when compared to other classes of polyphenols (e.g. anthocyanins). This review aims to summarize the latest research advances related to HCA bioavailability and their biological effects revealed by epidemiological data, pre-clinical and clinical studies. Moreover, we aim to review the effects of HCAs on gut microbiota diversity and function and its respective influence on host health. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Review article: dietary fibre in the era of microbiome science.

Explanations for the health benefits of dietary fibre have, in the past, been inconsistent and studies of the physiological effects of dietary fibre were, perhaps, directed at the wrong read-outs. Confounding factors included a failure to appreciate the molecular diversity and varied properties of fibre-types and the role of fibre as a substrate for microbial metabolism in the gut. To present a modern perspective on fibre science and to encourage clinicians to re-consider the health impact of dietary fibre and how best to approach adjustments in dietary consumption. This perspective is drawn selectively from recent microbiome science; no attempt was made to perform an exhaustive review of all articles related to every aspect of dietary fibre. Advances in microbiome science have revealed not only the functional impact of dietary fibre on the composition and function of the microbiota but have also demonstrated the physiologic responses to microbial-derived metabolites from fibre digestion. Moreover, studies have shown the personalised nature of host responses to dietary fibre intervention, with outcomes being dependent on individual pre-treatment gut ecology. The physical properties of dietary fibres are important for homeostasis within the gut, but the predominant health benefits extend beyond the gut to enhanced metabolic welfare, including protection against obesity and related metabolic diseases. Fibre is a form of functional food joining a growing list of examples of diet-microbe-host interactions which link microbe-host metabolic and immune cascades.

Protective effect of oat (Avena sativa) bran extracts on acute hepatic liver damage in mice

ABSTRACTOat (Avena sativa) bran, a by-product during oat grain processing, is a excellent source of fibre, vitamins and phytochemicals. The health benefits of dietary fibre have long been established. In the present study, the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of oat bran extracts were investigated. The extracts showed strong 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), hydroxyl, superoxide radicals scavenging and reducing power activities in vitro. In addition, the extracts (50 mg/kg mouse) significantly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and hepatic damage marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase), proinflammatory cytokines as well as elevated SOD, CAT, and GPx enzymes expressions in LPS-treated (1 mg/kg body weight) BALB/c mice. Therefore, the present study strongly suggests that both oat bran extracts could be excellent raw materials for manufacturing functional food due to its protective effect on hepatic liver damage and excellent antioxidant activity.

Exploratory Analysis of the Microbiological Potential for Efficient Utilization of Fiber Between Lantang and Duroc Pigs.

There is growing interest in the use of unconventional feed ingredients containing higher dietary fiber for pig production due to increasing prices of cereal grains and the potential health benefits of dietary fiber on host animals. This study aimed to gain insight into the community-wide microbiome population between the Chinese native Lantang pigs and the commercial Duroc pigs to uncover the microbiological mechanisms for the degradation capacity of fiber in pigs. Utilizing the metagenomics approach, we compared the phylogeny and functional capacity of the fecal microbiome from approximately 150-day-old female Lantang and Duroc pigs fed a similar diet. The structure of the fecal microbial community from the two pig breeds was different at the genus level; the number of genes associated with fiber degradation was higher in Lantang pigs. Further analysis and prediction of their functions from the fecal microbiomes of the two pig breeds revealed that the degradation capacities of fiber, branched chain fatty acids, and oligosaccharides were higher in Lantang pigs. The ability of lignocellulose bonding modules and the transport capacities of xylose, L-arabinose, ribose and methyl galactose were also higher in Lantang pigs. Similarly, the metabolic capacities of xylose, ribose, and fucose and the potential effectiveness of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and gene abundance in the hydrogen sink pathway were higher in the fecal microbiome from Lantang pigs. Lantang pigs have a higher capacity to utilize dietary fiber than Duroc pigs, and the differences in the capability to utilize dietary fiber between the indigenous and commercial pigs could be differences in the composition and biological function of the gut microbiota.

Galactomannan from Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed: Prebiotic application and its fermentation by the probiotic Bacillus coagulans strain MTCC 5856.

Health benefits of dietary fibers are currently being widely recognized. However, the assessment of dietary fiber as a prebiotic is essential and also important for the development of an improved synbiotic commercial preparation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of galactomannan extracted from fenugreek seeds as a prebiotic fiber and also its fermentation by the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856. Nondigestibility by the gastric acid and pancreatic enzyme hydrolysis of galactomannan were determined using an in vitro model mimicking the in vivo conditions. Further, anaerobic fermentation and utilization of galactomannan by the B. coagulans MTCC 5856 was investigated followed by selective inhibition of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The galactomannan from fenugreek seeds was found to be nondigestible to gastric acid and also to pancreatic enzymatic hydrolysis. The galactomannan was fermented and utilized (71.4%) by the B. coagulans MTCC 5856, and also significant amount of short‐chain fatty acids production was also observed. Furthermore, B. coagulans MTCC 5856 inhibited the E. coli ATCC 25922 growth when cocultured with galactomannan suggesting competitive fermentation of probiotic bacteria. Galactomannan exhibited prebiotic activity and also showed suitability with probiotic B. coagulans MTCC 5856 in a synbiotic combination. This study provides the first scientific evidence of galactomannan from fenugreek seeds as a prebiotic that may play an important role in modulating gut flora by acting as substrate to beneficial microbes.

KNOWLEDGE OF HEATLH EFFECTS OF DIETARY FIBRE AMONG NURSES AND THE GENERAL POPULATION IN CROATIA: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Introduction: Nurses play diverse roles in educating patients about a healthy diet and in promoting healthy eating habits, through their conversations with patients and families and through their work providing enteral and parenteral feeding to critically ill patients. Given the position of nurses as key providers of dietary guidance, and given the health benefits of dietary fibre, we wanted to assess the level of fibre-related knowledge among nurses in Croatia.Objectives: The primary objective of this cross-sectional s tudy was to compare knowledge between nurses and the general population from Croatia about the health importance of consuming dietary fibre.Methods: Knowledge from 369 nurses and 727 residents from the general population about fibre was assessed using a validated survey developed by the CI&amp;DETS Polytechnic Institute, Viseu, Portugal. Differences between nurses and the general population were assessed for significance using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test, while associations between study variables and knowledge were explored using Spearman rank correlation coefficients.Results: The level of knowledge among nurses and the general population in Croatia about dietary fibre varies from «undecided» to «partial knowledge». No association was observed between nurse education level and either general knowledge about fibre or knowledge about the health benefits of fibre intake. No significant differences were observed between nurses and the general population in general knowledge (p = 0.894) or in health-related knowledge (p = 0.578).Conclusion: The results suggest the need for updating and expanding nursing curricula. The similar level of knowledge between nurses and the general population about dietary fibre indicates the need to strengthen nurse education and training in the areas of diet and diet therapy in Croatia. Given the role of nurses as diet educators and advisors, this may help improve the quality of health care.

Knowledge about dietary fibre and its health benefits: A cross-sectional survey of 2536 residents from across Croatia

This cross-sectional study is aimed at identifying the level of understanding of the health benefits of dietary fibre in the prevention of disease, as well as the association between that understanding and fibre consumption in the Croatian population. We believe that nutritional knowledge is important for the consumption of healthy food which includes also a positive reflection on food habits and health. Only well-informed consumers can shop effectively for food rich in dietary fibre and thereby derive the health benefits that fibre can offer. We suppose the association between that understanding and fibre consumption in the Croatian population. However, this knowledge is not the only important determinant; food purchases are influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors. Our hypothesis is that the level of knowledge about fibre and fibre consumption varies with age, gender, education level and urban or rural environment. It is our assumption that life styles, environmental conditions and education can affect the level of knowledge and perception about healthy eating habits. If this assumption is accurate, targeted education campaigns to educate and sensitise the population about fibre-rich foods and the health benefits of fibre is a priority. Public health programmes are urgently needed, particularly in rural areas, to sensitise the population to fulfill the recommended fibre intake, high-fibre food sources and the mechanisms by which fibre can help prevent disease.

Study about How A Sample of Portuguese People Perceive the Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre

Background: Dietary Fibre (DF) has been part of human diet since ever, and its benefits for the human health have been well established and scientifically confirmed. However, it is important to study to what extent people are aware of those benefits. Objective: Having in mind the importance of DF the present work was undertaken to study the level of knowledge of people residing in Portugal about the health effects related to DF. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken on a non-probabilistic sample of 382 adult participants. Descriptive statistics were used together with some inferential tests, all using the software SPSS and considering a level of significance of 5%. Results: The results allowed concluding that people were differently informed about the effects of DF in preventing and/or treating various diseases, being constipation the most recognized, followed in decreasing order by obesity, bowel cancer, cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and breast cancer. The results also showed that significant differences were encountered between age groups for most of the diseases evaluated, but not between genders, levels of education or living environments. Conclusion: Generally, it was concluded that the participants in this study were relatively well informed about the roles of DF in preventing and/or treating several diseases.

A Critical Look at Prebiotics Within the Dietary Fiber Concept.

This article reviews the current knowledge of the health effects of dietary fiber and prebiotics and establishes the position of prebiotics within the broader context of dietary fiber. Although the positive health effects of specific fibers on defecation, reduction of postprandial glycemic response, and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels are generally accepted, other presumed health benefits of dietary fibers are still debated. There is evidence that specific dietary fibers improve the integrity of the epithelial layer of the intestines, increase the resistance against pathogenic colonization, reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, increase mineral absorption, and have a positive impact on the immune system, but these effects are neither generally acknowledged nor completely understood. Many of the latter effects are thought to be particularly elicited by prebiotics. Although the prebiotic concept evolved significantly during the past two decades, the line between prebiotics and nonprebiotic dietary fiber remains vague. Nevertheless, scientific evidence demonstrating the health-promoting potential of prebiotics continues to accumulate and suggests that prebiotic fibers have their rightful place in a healthy diet.

Dietary fibre intake and mortality from cardiovascular disease and all cancers: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Accumulating evidence supports health benefits of dietary fibre, such as improving lipid profiles, lowering blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity, but evidence from comprehensive investigation of dietary fibre intake and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all cancers is limited. To quantitatively assess the association between dietary fibre intake and mortality from CVD and all cancers. We performed a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed and Embase databases for all articles published up to September 2014 and via hand searching. Study-specific estimates adjusting for potential confounders were combined to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using a random-effects model. We found 15 studies that examined the association between dietary fibre and mortality from CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD) and all cancers. The pooled RRs of CVD, CHD and all-cancer mortality for the highest versus lowest category of dietary fibre were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.71-0.84), 0.76 (95% CI: 0.67-0.87) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.79-0.93), respectively. In a dose-response meta-analysis, the pooled RRs for an increment of 10 g/day in dietary fibre intake were 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88-0.94) for CVD, 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85-0.93) for CHD and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91-0.97) for all cancers. Our findings suggest that high dietary fibre intake is associated with a reduced risk of mortality from CVD and all cancers. These results support the current recommendation that high dietary fibre intake should be part of a healthy diet.