Soluble Fiber Intake Research Articles

Dietary fiber intake and risk of breast cancer by menopausal and estrogen receptor status.

Evaluate the hypothesis that relation of breast cancer associated with dietary fiber intakes varies by type of fiber, menopausal, and the tumor's hormone receptor status. A case-control study of female breast cancer was conducted in Connecticut. A total of 557 incident breast cancer cases and 536 age frequency-matched controls were included in the analysis. Information on dietary intakes was collected through in-person interviews with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and was converted into nutrient intakes. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by unconditional logistic regression. Among pre-menopausal women, higher intake of soluble fiber (highest versus lowest quartile of intake) was associated with a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer (OR = 0.38, 95% CI, 0.15-0.97, P (trend) = 0.08). When further restricted to pre-menopausal women with ER(-) tumors, the adjusted OR for the highest quartile of intake was 0.15 (95% CI, 0.03-0.69, P (trend) = 0.02) for soluble fiber intake. Among post-menopausal women, no reduced risk of breast cancer was observed for either soluble or insoluble fiber intakes or among ER(+) or ER(-) tumor groups. The results from this study show that dietary soluble fiber intake is associated with a significantly reduced risk of ER(-) breast cancer among pre-menopausal women. Additional studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm these results.

Lifestyle Factors and 5‐Year Abdominal Fat Accumulation in a Minority Cohort: The IRAS Family Study

The objective of this study was to examine whether lifestyle factors were associated with 5-year change in abdominal fat measured by computed tomography (CT) in the Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis (IRAS) Family Study. We obtained abdominal CT scans at baseline and at 5 years, from African Americans (AA) (N = 339) and Hispanic Americans (N = 775), aged 18-81 years. Visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue was measured at the L4/L5 vertebral level. Physical activity was documented by self-report of vigorous activity and a 1-year recall instrument. Dietary intake was assessed at follow-up using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire referencing the previous year. Generalized linear models, accounting for family structure, were used to assess the associations between percent change in fat accumulation and smoking, physical activity, total calories, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, protein, and saturated fat intake, percent of calories from sweets, and soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber intake and participation in vigorous activity were inversely related to change in VAT, independent of change in BMI. For each 10g increase in soluble fiber, rate of VAT accumulation decreased by 3.7% (P = 0.01). Soluble fiber was not associated with change in SAT (0.2%, P = 0.82). Moderately active participants had a 7.4% decrease in rate of VAT accumulation and a 3.6% decrease in rate of SAT accumulation versus less active participants (P = 0.003 and P = 0.01, respectively). Total energy expenditure was also inversely associated with accumulation of VAT. Soluble fiber intake and increased physical activity were related to decreased VAT accumulation over 5 years.

The role of soluble fiber intake in patients under highly effective lipid-lowering therapy

BackgroundIt has been demonstrated that statins can increase intestinal sterol absorption. Augments in phytosterolemia seems related to cardiovascular disease.ObjectiveWe examined the role of soluble fiber intake in endogenous cholesterol synthesis and in sterol absorption among subjects under highly effective lipid-lowering therapy.DesignIn an open label, randomized, parallel-design study with blinded endpoints, subjects with primary hypercholesterolemia (n = 116) were assigned to receive during 12 weeks, a daily dose of 25 g of fiber (corresponding to 6 g of soluble fibers) plus rosuvastatin 40 mg (n = 28), rosuvastatin 40 mg alone (n = 30), sinvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg plus 25 g of fiber (n = 28), or sinvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg (n = 30) alone.ResultsThe four assigned therapies produced similar changes in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides (p < 0.001 vs. baseline) and did not change HDL-cholesterol. Fiber intake decreased plasma campesterol (p < 0.001 vs. baseline), particularly among those patients receiving ezetimibe (p < 0.05 vs. other groups), and β-sitosterol (p = 0.03 vs. baseline), with a trend for lower levels in the group receiving fiber plus ezetimibe (p = 0.07). Treatment with rosuvastatin alone or combined with soluble fiber was associated with decreased levels of desmosterol (p = 0.003 vs. other groups). Compared to non-fiber supplemented individuals, those treated with fibers had weight loss (p = 0.04), reduced body mass index (p = 0.002) and blood glucose (p = 0.047).ConclusionAmong subjects treated with highly effective lipid-lowering therapy, the intake of 25 g of fibers added favorable effects, mainly by reducing phytosterolemia. Additional benefits include improvement in blood glucose and anthropometric parameters.

Effect of Consumption of Dried California Mission Figs on Lipid Concentrations

Background: Figs are a rich source of soluble fiber. We evaluated the effect of consuming dried California Mission figs on serum lipids in hyperlipidemic adults. Methods: In a crossover trial men and women aged 30–75 years with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (100–189 mg/dl) were randomized to add dried California Mission figs (120 g/day) to their usual diet for 5 weeks or eat their usual diet for 5 weeks, then crossed over to the other condition for another 5 weeks. Six 24-hour dietary recalls were obtained. Results: Low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations did not differ between usual and figs-added diets (Bonferroni-corrected p > 0.017), while total cholesterol tended to increase with fig consumption (p = 0.02). Total cholesterol increased in participants (n = 41) randomized to usual followed by figs-added diet (p = 0.01), but remained unchanged in subjects (n = 42) who started with figs-added followed by usual diet (p = 0.4). During the figs-added diet, soluble fiber intake was 12.6 ± 3.7 versus 8.2 ± 4.1 g/day in the usual diet (p < 0.0001). Sugar intake increased from 23.4 ± 6.5 to 32.2 ± 6.3% of kcal in the figs-added diet (p < 0.0001). Body weight did not change (p = 0.08). Conclusions: Daily consumption of figs did not reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Triglyceride concentrations were not significantly changed despite an increase in sugar intake.

Double blind randomized clinical trial controlled by placebo with an alpha linoleic acid and prebiotic enriched cookie on risk cardiovascular factor in obese patients.

Inulin and FOS are prebiotics with potential benefit in cardiovascular risk factors. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is the metabolic precursor of the long chain n-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (20: 5n-3), this fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of our study was to evaluate the response of the cardiovascular risk profile in obese patients after inclusion in the diet of an ALA, FOS and inulin enriched-cookie. 36 patients were randomized in both branches: group I (inulin, FOS and ALA enriched cookie) Gullon SL(®) and group II (control cookie). Previous and after 1 month of the treatment, a nutritional and biochemical study was realized. 15 patients finished the procotol in each group. In group I, a significantly increase in soluble fiber (2.3 ± 0.8 g/day vs 7.7 ± 0.8 g/day: p < 0.05) and ALA (0.6 ± 0.5 g/day vs 3.8 ± 0.5 g/day; p < 0.05) intakes was detected. In this group a significant decrease of total cholesterol (238.1 ± 45.3 mg/dl vs 210.5 ± 38.1 mg/dl: p < 0.05), LDL cholesterol (153.6 ± 23.2 mg/dl vs 127.1 ± 27.9 mg/dl: p < 0.05) and C reactive protein (6.6 ± 1.4 mg/dl vs 4.4+7-1.8 mg/dl: p < 0.05) was reached in males. Anthropometric parameters did not change in both groups. The increase in soluble fiber and ALA dietary intakes did not produce any gastrointestinal adverse effect. The increase of 2 grams per day of inulin, 3.1 grams per day of FOS and 3.2 grams per day of alpha linolenic (ALA) dietary intakes from an enriched-cookie, improved total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and C reactive protein levels in obese males. As far as we know, this is the first study that has evaluated the effect on risk factors of an ALA enriched cookies.

Ensayo clínico aletorizado doble ciego controlado con placebo con una galleta enriquecida en ácido alfa linoleico y prebióticos en el patrón de riesgo cardiovascular de pacientes obesos

Introduction: Inulin and FOS are prebiotics with potential benefit in cardiovascular risk factors. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is the metabolic precursor of the long chain n-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3), this fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of our study was to evaluate the response of the cardiovascular risk profile in obese patients after inclusion in the diet of an ALA, FOS and inulin enriched-cookie. Material and methods: 36 patients were randomized in both branches: group I (inulin, FOS and ALA enriched cookie) Gullon SL ® and group II (control cookie). Previous and after 1 month of the treatment, a nutritional and biochemical study was realized. Results: 15 patients finished the procotol in each group. In group I, a significantly increase in soluble fiber (2,3+/-0,8 g/day vs 7,7+/-0,8 g/day: p<0,05) and ALA (0,6+/-0,5 g/day vs 3,8+/-0,5 g/day;p<0,05) intakes was detected. In this group a significant decrease of total cholesterol (238,1+/-45,3 mg/dl vs 210,5+/-38,1 mg/dl:p<0,05), LDL cholesterol (153,6+/-23,2 mg/dl vs 127,1+/-27,9 mg/dl:p<0,05) and C reactive protein (6,6+/-1,4 mg/dl vs. 4,4+7-1,8 mg/dl: p<0,05) was reached in males. Anthropometric parameters did not change in both groups. The increase in soluble fiber and ALA dietary intakes did not produce any gastrointestinal adverse effect. Conclusion: The increase of 2 grams per day of inulin, 3,1 grams per day of FOS and 3,2 grams per day of alpha linolenic (ALA) dietary intakes from an enriched-cookie, improved total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and C reactive protein levels in obese males. As far as we know, this is the first study that has evaluated the effect on risk factors of an ALA enriched cookies

Beverages have an appreciable contribution to the intake of soluble dietary fibre: a study in the Spanish diet

Beverages are generally not taken into account to determine the intakes of dietary fibre (DF) in diets. Soluble dietary fibre (SDF) content was determined in common alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages – ranging from 0.18 g/l in white wine to 9.01 g/l in instant coffee – and their contribution to the DF intake in the Spanish Mediterranean diet was estimated as 2.13 g/person/day. It is concluded that beverages provide an appreciable amount of SDF in the diet, and the omission of its contribution may lead to underestimate DF intakes.

Nutritional predictors of muscle protein metabolism and function in older adults

Sarcopenia contributes to frailty in older adults and is associated with alterations in muscle protein metabolism. The purpose of this research was to examine the potential predictors of muscle protein synthesis and function in elders.MethodsWe report preliminary data from a subset of 8 healthy, sedentary subjects (69.5±3.4 yrs, BMI ≤30kg·m−2) enrolled in a larger study who met their dietary requirements. Linear regressions were carried out on the following variables: muscle protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR), muscle function tests, VO2peak, daily step count, dual energy x‐ray absorbometry (DEXA), 3‐day food diary, and blood biochemical analyses.ResultsThe best linear regressors of FSR were soluble fiber (R2=−0.59, P=0.03) and vitamin D intake (R2=0.60, P=0.01). The best multiple regressors were soluble fiber and leucine intake (R2=0.85, P=0.009). When the subjects were divided by BMI into overweight (n=4) or normal weight (n=4), the overweight subjects had a lower relative lean body weight (62.2±6.2% vs. 70.4±8.3) and slower 20‐meter load carry with weight time (11.4±2.2 sec vs. 10.9±1.1).SummaryIn a group of healthy older adults who are meeting their recommended nutritional requirements, dietary factors influence FSR. Further, overweight subjects have additional negative health and functional outcomes. This study was supported by NIH R01 AG030070 and P30 AG024832.

Gastrointestinal flora and gastrointestinal status in children with autism – comparisons to typical children and correlation with autism severity

BackgroundChildren with autism have often been reported to have gastrointestinal problems that are more frequent and more severe than in children from the general population.MethodsGastrointestinal flora and gastrointestinal status were assessed from stool samples of 58 children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and 39 healthy typical children of similar ages. Stool testing included bacterial and yeast culture tests, lysozyme, lactoferrin, secretory IgA, elastase, digestion markers, short chain fatty acids (SCFA's), pH, and blood presence. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed with a modified six-item GI Severity Index (6-GSI) questionnaire, and autistic symptoms were assessed with the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).ResultsGastrointestinal symptoms (assessed by the 6-GSI) were strongly correlated with the severity of autism (assessed by the ATEC), (r = 0.59, p < 0.001). Children with 6-GSI scores above 3 had much higher ATEC Total scores than those with 6-GSI-scores of 3 or lower (81.5 +/- 28 vs. 49.0 +/- 21, p = 0.00002).Children with autism had much lower levels of total short chain fatty acids (-27%, p = 0.00002), including lower levels of acetate, proprionate, and valerate; this difference was greater in the children with autism taking probiotics, but also significant in those not taking probiotics. Children with autism had lower levels of species of Bifidobacter (-43%, p = 0.002) and higher levels of species of Lactobacillus (+100%, p = 0.00002), but similar levels of other bacteria and yeast using standard culture growth-based techniques. Lysozyme was somewhat lower in children with autism (-27%, p = 0.04), possibly associated with probiotic usage. Other markers of digestive function were similar in both groups.ConclusionsThe strong correlation of gastrointestinal symptoms with autism severity indicates that children with more severe autism are likely to have more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and vice versa. It is possible that autism symptoms are exacerbated or even partially due to the underlying gastrointestinal problems. The low level of SCFA's was partly associated with increased probiotic use, and probably partly due to either lower production (less sacchrolytic fermentation by beneficial bacteria and/or lower intake of soluble fiber) and/or greater absorption into the body (due to longer transit time and/or increased gut permeability).

Macronutrient Absorption Characteristics in Humans With Short Bowel Syndrome and Jejunocolonic Anastomosis: Starch Is the Most Important Carbohydrate Substrate, Although Pectin Supplementation May Modestly Enhance Short Chain Fatty Acid Production and Fluid Absorption

Diet may play an important role in the management of patients with short bowel syndrome who have colon in continuity. However, macronutrient absorption has not been well characterized, and the most appropriate dietary constituents have not been well defined. To define carbohydrate absorption characteristics in patients with short bowel syndrome and determine the potential role of pectin as a dietary substrate. The authors studied the effect of a custom pectin-based supplement in 6 subjects (3 male/3 female) aged 29-67 years with jejunocolonic anastomosis, 4 of whom required long-term parental nutrition. Small intestinal absorption capacity, macronutrient and fluid balance, gastrointestinal transit time, and energy consumption were measured. Data showed that 53% nitrogen, 50% fat, and 32% total energy were malabsorbed. In contrast, the majority (92%) of total carbohydrate was utilized. Fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were increased, an indication of increased fermentation. Although only 4% of starch was recovered in stool, it is indicative of considerable starch malabsorption, thus providing the main carbohydrate substrate, for colonic bacterial fermentation. In contrast, nonstarch polysaccharide was a relatively minor fermentation substrate with only 49% utilized. Eighty percent of the pectin was fermented. Supplementation was associated with increased total SCFAs, acetate, and propionate excretion. There was a trend observed toward greater fluid absorption (-5.9% ± 54.4% to 26.9% ± 25.2%) following pectin supplementation. Nonsignificant increases in gastric emptying time and orocolonic transit time were observed. Despite malabsorption, starch is the primary carbohydrate substrate for colonic bacterial fermentation in patients with short bowel syndrome, although soluble fiber intake also enhances colonic SCFA production.

Dietary Fiber Intake Is Associated with Reduced Risk of Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease among Japanese Men and Women , ,

Dietary fiber protects against coronary heart disease (CHD), but evidence in Asia is limited. We examined the association between dietary fiber intake and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a Japanese population in a prospective study of 58,730 Japanese men and women aged 40–79 y in which dietary fiber intake was determined by a self-administered FFQ. The participants were followed up from 1988–1990 to the end of 2003. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI of mortality were calculated per quintile of fiber intake. During the 14-y follow-up, a total of 2080 CVD deaths (983 strokes, 422 CHD, and 675 other CVD) were documented. Total, insoluble, and soluble dietary fiber intakes were inversely associated with risk of mortality from CHD and total CVD for both men and women. For men, the multivariable HR (95% CI) for CHD in the highest vs. the lowest quintiles were 0.81 [(95% CI, 0.61–1.09); P-trend = 0.02], 0.48 [(95% CI, 0.27–0.84); P-trend < 0.001], and 0.71 [(95% CI, 0.41–0.97); P-trend = 0.04] for total, insoluble, and soluble fiber, respectively. The respective HR (95% CI) for women were 0.80 [(95% CI, 0.57–0.97); P-trend = 0.01], 0.49 [(95% CI, 0.27–0.86); P-trend = 0.004], and 0.72 [(95% CI, 0.34–0.99); P-trend = 0.03], respectively. For fiber sources, intakes of fruit and cereal fibers but not vegetable fiber were inversely associated with risk of mortality from CHD. In conclusion, dietary intakes of fiber, both insoluble and soluble fibers, and especially fruit and cereal fibers, may reduce risk of mortality from CHD.

Avance de resultados sobre consumo de fibra en España y beneficios asociados a la ingesta de fibra insoluble

Background Many studies have found an association between dietary fiber intake and a protective effect against a number of chronic diseases such as colon cancer, cardiovascular diseases, constipation and obesity, among other. However, fiber intake in western countries are low, distant from recommended values. Methods In this ecological study, total dietary fiber consumption, soluble and insoluble, in Spanish households has been estimated and its association with morbidity and morbidity data for selected diseases in the period 2004–2008. Results Average total fiber intake in Spanish households during the study period was 16.24 ± 0.15 g/day, below recommended intakes for dietary fiber. A negative correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between total fiber and insoluble fiber intake and mortality for ischaemic heart disease (myocardial infarction), cardiac failure and stroke. No significant correlation was found with soluble fiber intake. Conclusions Consumption of foods rich in fiber is adequate for the prevention of different chronic diseases, particularly foods rich in insoluble dietary fiber, such as cereals and pulses.

Nutrition Issues in the HIV-Infected Injection Drug User: Findings from the Nutrition for Healthy Living Cohort

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to highlight disparities between injection drug users (IDUs) and those who had never been IDUs from the Nutrition for Healthy Living (NFHL) cohort. Although IDUs were enrolled in the cohort throughout its duration, few analyses have sought to highlight findings specific to them.Methods: NFHL, a prospective, longitudinal cohort conducted from 1995–2005, included 881 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) –infected men and women over the age of 18. Subjects were seen every 6 months; body composition and dietary and laboratory data were collected. Individuals were classified as current IDUs, past IDUs, and never-IDUs. The classification of ever-IDU combined current and past users.Results: In NFHL, a higher proportion of ever-IDUs were women, African American, had a high school education or less, smoked, and were housing insecure and food insecure compared to never-IDUs. Ever-IDUs had lower total, soluble, and insoluble fiber and individual micronutrient intakes. A higher proportion of ever-IDUs had hepatitis C and HIV-related symptoms, used highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) less, and had a CD4 count <500 cells/mm3, than never-IDUs, at the study endpoint.Conclusions: The course of HIV infection in past and current IDUs appears to be unique and requires more investigation. Physiologic and sociodemographic characteristics of IDUs contribute to poor disease management and nutritional status. Classic manifestations of HIV persist in IDUs in the HAART era.

Randomized clinical trial with a inulin enriched cookie on risk cardiovascular factor in obese patients

Inulin is a prebiotic with potential benefit in cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of our work is to evaluate in obese patients the effect of a inulin enriched cookie on cardiovascular risk factors. 34 patients were randomized in both branches: group I (inulin enriched cookie) Gullon SL(R) and group II (control cookie). Previous and after 1 month of the treatment, a nutritional and biochemical study was realized. 15 patients finished the procotol in each group. In group I, an increase in soluble fiber intake (inulin) was detected. In this group a significant decrease of total cholesterol (223.1 +/- 45.3 mg/dl vs 208.8 +/- 33.1 mg/dl; p < 0.05) and LDL cholesterol (142.9 +/- 39.2 mg/dl vs 131.4 +/- 28.6 mg/dl; p < 0.05) was reached. A non significant improvement in insulin levels and HOMA was detected in inulin-enriched cookie group, too. Anthropometric parameters did not change in both groups. The increase in soluble fiber intake did not produce any gastrointestinal adverse effect. The increase of fiber intake (3 g of inulin) from an enriched cookie reduced LDL cholesterol levels in obese patients.

Fibras na dieta: tendências atuais e benefícios à saúde na síndrome metabólica e no diabetes melito tipo 2

Dietary fiber may contribute to both the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In epidemiological studies the intake of insoluble fiber, but not the intake of soluble fiber, has been inversely associated with the incidence of T2DM. In contrast, in postprandial studies, meals containing sufficiently quantities of beta-glucan, psyllium, or guar gum have decreased insulin and glucose responses in both healthy individuals and patients with T2DM. Diets enriched sufficiently in soluble fiber may also improve overall glycemic control in T2DM. Insoluble fiber has little effect on postprandial insulin and glucose responses. Fiber increases satiety. In some studies, insoluble fiber has been associated with less weight gain over time. Limited cross-sectional evidence suggests an inverse relationship between intake of cereal fiber and whole-grains and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. Although long-term data from trials focusing on specifically dietary fiber are lacking, meeting current recommendations for a minimum fiber intake of 25 g/d based on a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and legumes will probably decrease the risk of obesity, the metabolic syndrome and T2DM.

Análise crítica das recomendações da Associação Americana de Diabetes para doença cardiovascular no diabetes melito

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of mortality among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and dietary intervention is an essential measure to prevent and treat this complication. The aim of this manuscript was to review scientific evidence that underlies the dietetic recommendations of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for prevention and treatment of CVD in patients with DM. The ADA guidelines are mostly based on studies performed on patients with CVD and without DM. The evidence-based dietary recommendations for patients with DM are to increase the intake of fish and soluble fibers. Although DM has been considered as an equivalent of established CVD, the adoption of the same dietary recommendations for patients without DM and with CVD for all patients with DM is still questionable -- especially considering the peculiarities of CVD in DM. Randomized clinical trials including patients with DM should provide further information regarding the benefits of these dietary interventions for CVD.

The Role of Diet in Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adults: A Narrative Review

This review summarizes what is known about the effect of diet on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms emphasizing data from randomized, controlled clinical trials. Studies suggest that IBS symptoms in one quarter of patients may be caused or exacerbated by one or more dietary components. Recent studies indicate that a diet restricted in fermentable, poorly absorbed carbohydrates, including fructose, fructans (present in wheat and onions), sorbitol, and other sugar alcohols is beneficial, but confirmatory studies are needed. Despite a long history of enthusiastic use, fiber is marginally beneficial. Insoluble fiber may worsen symptoms. Some patients with IBS, especially those with constipation, will improve with increased intake of soluble fiber. Prebiotic fibers have not been adequately tested. Daily use of peppermint oil is effective in relieving IBS symptoms. The usefulness of probiotics in the form of foods such as live-culture yogurt and buttermilk for IBS symptoms is not established. In clinical practice, it is very difficult to establish that a patient's symptoms result from an adverse reaction to food. A double blind placebo-controlled food challenge is the most reliable method, but it is not suitable for routine clinical use. A modified exclusion diet and stepwise reintroduction of foods or trials of eliminating classes of food may be useful.

Dietary fiber and weight regulation.

The influence of dietary fiber on energy regulation remains controversial. This review summarizes published studies on the effects of dietary fiber on hunger, satiety, energy intake, and body composition in healthy individuals. Under conditions of fixed energy intake, the majority of studies indicate that an increase in either soluble or insoluble fiber intake increases postmeal satiety and decreases subsequent hunger. When energy intake is ad libitum, mean values for published studies indicate that consumption of an additional 14 g/day fiber for >2 days is associated with a 10% decrease in energy intake and body weight loss of 1.9 kg over 3.8 months. Furthermore, obese individuals may exhibit a greater suppression of energy intake and body weight loss (mean energy intake in all studies was reduced to 82% by higher fiber intake in overweight/obese people versus 94% in lean people; body weight loss was 2.4 kg versus 0.8 kg). These amounts are very similar to the mean changes in energy intake and body weight changes observed when dietary fat content is lowered from 38% to 24% of energy intake in controlled studies of nonobese and obese subjects. The observed changes in energy intake and body weight occur both when the fiber is from naturally high-fiber foods and when it is from a fiber supplement. In view of the fact that mean dietary fiber intake in the United States is currently only 15 g/day (i.e., approximately half the American Heart Association recommendation of 25-30 g/day), efforts to increase dietary fiber in individuals consuming <25 g/day may help to decrease the currently high national prevalence of obesity.

Effects of long-term soluble vs. insoluble dietary fiber intake on high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice

Although most of the proposed beneficial effects of fiber consumption have been attributed to viscous and gel-forming properties of soluble fiber, it is mainly insoluble cereal fiber and whole grains that are strongly associated with reduced diabetes risk in prospective cohort studies, indicating that other unknown mechanisms are likely to be involved. We performed a long-term study investigating potential protective effects of adding soluble guar fiber (10% w/w) vs. insoluble cereal fiber (10% w/w) to an isoenergetic and macronutrient matched high-fat diet in obesity-prone C57BL/6J mice. After 45 weeks, mice fed soluble vs. insoluble fiber showed both significantly increased body weight (41.8±3.0 vs. 33.6±1.5 g, P=.03) and elevated markers of insulin resistance. In mice fed soluble fiber, energy loss via the feces was significantly lower and colonic fermentation with production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) was markedly increased. Gene expression analysis in white adipose tissue showed significantly increased levels of the fatty acid target G-protein coupled receptor-40 in soluble fiber-fed mice. Liver gene expression in the insoluble fiber group showed a pattern consistent with increased fatty acid oxidation. The present results show that soluble vs insoluble dietary fiber added to a high-fat, Western-style diet differently affected body weight and estimates of insulin sensitivity in obesity-prone mice. Soluble fiber intake with increased SCFA production significantly contributed to digested energy, thereby potentially outweighing the well known short-term beneficial effects of soluble fiber consumption.

Healthy convenient prepared meals improve dietary quality during structured dietary intervention for heart disease risk factor reduction.

Caloric restriction is a typical approach for creating a negative energy balance for weight‐loss. Reduced food consumption may negatively affect dietary quality. Interventions that can maintain this in the face of caloric restriction are desirable.We examined the effects of a DASH‐Style (DS; n=62) diet and exercise or exercise only (EO, n=49) program on cardiovascular risk factors for 24 weeks (BMI 22‐40). Both groups received an exercise prescription recommending a minimum of 15 minutes of moderate physical activity, 3 days per week and progressing to 45 minutes, 4 days per week by week 12. They also met with an exercise physiologist once weekly for 12 weeks and biweekly thereafter. Additionally, the DS group followed a reduce calorie eating pattern and incorporated one commercially prepared healthy frozen meal and one other selected grocery item each day for 24 weeks and received dietary counseling from a dietician once weekly for 12 weeks and biweekly thereafter.After 24 weeks, DS reduced weight (‐18.04 ± 10.65 vs ‐6.05 ± 8.36lbs, p&lt;0.001), intake of calories (‐486.0 ± 555.1 vs ‐42.7 ± 569.9kcal, p&lt;0.001) total fat (‐39.0 ± 30.3 vs ‐5.2 ± 34.9g, p&lt;0.001), saturated fat (‐16.1 ± 13.5 vs ‐3.0 ± 12.6g, p&lt;0.001), cholesterol (‐123.6 ± 179.0 vs ‐38.1 ± 155.4g, p&lt;0.01) and sodium (‐704.1 ± 1092.0 vs ‐41.8 ± 1224.6mg, p&lt;0.01). Also, greater increases in fiber (9.8 ± 10.1 vs 2.8 ± 6.6g, p&lt;0.001), soluble (3.2±3.2 vs 1.4 ± 2.5g, p&lt;0.01) and insoluble fiber intakes (6.7±7.9 vs 1.1±5.5g, p&lt;0.001) were observed in DS.A structured calorie restricted diet including healthy prepared meals can help maintain, or improve, dietary quality thus reducing risk factors for chronic conditions.