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Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Jan 2017Polysaccharides derived from plant foods are major components of the human diet, with limited contributions of related components from fungal and algal sources. In... (Review)
Review
Polysaccharides derived from plant foods are major components of the human diet, with limited contributions of related components from fungal and algal sources. In particular, starch and other storage carbohydrates are the major sources of energy in all diets, while cell wall polysaccharides are the major components of dietary fiber. We review the role of these components in the human diet, including their structure and distribution, their modification during food processing and effects on functional properties, their behavior in the gastrointestinal tract, and their contribution to healthy diets.
Topics: Carbohydrates; Cell Wall; Chronic Disease; Cold Temperature; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fiber; Digestion; Energy Intake; Food Handling; Glycemic Index; Hot Temperature; Humans; Malnutrition; Models, Biological; Molecular Structure; Plants, Edible; Risk Factors; Satiety Response; Starch
PubMed: 25921546
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2014.939263 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Feb 2020The aim of EU project MyNewGut is to contribute to future public health-related recommendations supported by new insight in gut microbiome and nutrition-host... (Review)
Review
The aim of EU project MyNewGut is to contribute to future public health-related recommendations supported by new insight in gut microbiome and nutrition-host relationship. In this Opinion Paper, we first revisit the concept of dietary fiber, taking into account their interaction with the gut microbiota. This paper also summarizes the main effects of dietary fibers with prebiotic properties in intervention studies in humans, with a particular emphasis on the effects of arabinoxylans and arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides on metabolic alterations associated with obesity. Based on the existing state of the art and future development, we elaborate the steps required to propose dietary guidelines related to dietary fibers, taking into account their interaction with the gut microbiota.
Topics: Dietary Fiber; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Prebiotics
PubMed: 30904186
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2019.03.002 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Jul 2020Glycemic load (GL) reflects the quantity and quality of carbohydrates in the diet; dietary fiber and added sugar are components of GL. Few epidemiologic studies have...
BACKGROUND
Glycemic load (GL) reflects the quantity and quality of carbohydrates in the diet; dietary fiber and added sugar are components of GL. Few epidemiologic studies have assessed the association between these dietary factors and fecundability.
OBJECTIVE
We prospectively evaluated the associations of GL, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and added sugar with fecundability.
METHODS
Snart Foraeldre (SF) and Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) are parallel web-based prospective preconception cohorts of couples attempting to conceive in Denmark and North America. At baseline, female participants completed a web-based questionnaire on demographic and lifestyle factors and a validated FFQ. We calculated GL, total carbohydrate intake, total dietary fiber, carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio, and added sugar based on reported frequencies for individual foods, standard recipes for mixed foods, and average serving sizes. The analysis included 2709 SF participants and 4268 PRESTO participants. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% CIs.
RESULTS
Compared with an average daily GL of ≤100, FRs for an average daily GL of ≥141 were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.08) in SF and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.77, 0.98) in PRESTO participants. Compared with consuming ≤16 g/d of dietary fiber, FRs for consuming ≥25 g/d were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.22) in SF and 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.20) in PRESTO. Compared with a carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio of ≤8, FRs for a ratio of ≥13 were 0.86 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.01) in SF and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.98) in PRESTO. Compared with ≤27 g/d of added sugar, FRs for ≥72 g/d were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.68, 1.10) in SF and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.99) in PRESTO participants.
CONCLUSIONS
Among women attempting to conceive in Denmark and North America, diets high in GL, carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio, and added sugar were associated with modestly reduced fecundability.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Denmark; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fiber; Female; Fertility; Glycemic Index; Glycemic Load; Humans; North America; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Sugars; Young Adult
PubMed: 31901163
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqz312 -
Nutrients Nov 2021The prevalence of asthma is increasing, but the cause remains under debate. Research currently focuses on environmental and dietary factors that may impact the gut-lung... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of asthma is increasing, but the cause remains under debate. Research currently focuses on environmental and dietary factors that may impact the gut-lung axis. Dietary fibers are considered to play a crucial role in supporting diversity and activity of the microbiome, as well as immune homeostasis in the gut and lung. This review discusses the current state of knowledge on how dietary fibers and their bacterial fermentation products may affect the pathophysiology of allergic asthma. Moreover, the impact of dietary fibers on early type 2 asthma management, as shown in both pre-clinical and clinical studies, is described. Short-chain fatty acids, fiber metabolites, modulate host immunity and might reduce the risk of allergic asthma development. Underlying mechanisms include G protein-coupled receptor activation and histone deacetylase inhibition. These results are supported by studies in mice, children and adults with allergic asthma. Fibers might also exert direct effects on the immune system via yet to be elucidated mechanisms. However, the effects of specific types of fiber, dosages, duration of treatment, and combination with probiotics, need to be explored. There is an urgent need to further valorize the potential of specific dietary fibers in prevention and treatment of allergic asthma by conducting more large-scale dietary intervention trials.
Topics: Animals; Asthma; Dietary Fiber; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Lung; Mice; Microbiota
PubMed: 34836408
DOI: 10.3390/nu13114153 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022Finger millet (FM) is one of the little millets grown in Asia and Africa. Although still classified as an "orphan crop", there is an increasing interest in the research... (Review)
Review
Finger millet (FM) is one of the little millets grown in Asia and Africa. Although still classified as an "orphan crop", there is an increasing interest in the research of FM seed coat (FMSC), also known as bran. It houses 90% of the seed's polyphenols and dietary fibre. The calcium and phosphorus content of FMSC is about 6- to 25-fold that of other cereals. FMSC is specifically beneficial for its polyphenols, arabinoxylans, phytates, and flavonoids content. Evidence of the hypoglycaemic, nephroprotective, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-cataractogenic effects of FMSC has been substantiated, thereby supporting the health claims and validating its nutraceutical potential for diabetics. This article discusses FMSC extraction and nutritional properties, focusing on arabinoxylan and polyphenols, their potential health benefits, and their application in food formulations. Although there is a dearth of information on using FMSC in food formulation, this review will be a data repository for further studies on FMSC.
Topics: Eleusine; Edible Grain; Seeds; Nutrients; Dietary Fiber
PubMed: 36431938
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227837 -
British Journal of Cancer Dec 2022With an ageing population, there is an urgent need to find alternatives to current standard-of-care chemoradiation schedules in the treatment of pelvic malignancies. The... (Review)
Review
With an ageing population, there is an urgent need to find alternatives to current standard-of-care chemoradiation schedules in the treatment of pelvic malignancies. The gut microbiota may be exploitable, having shown a valuable role in improving patient outcomes in anticancer immunotherapy. These bacteria feed on dietary fibres, which reach the large intestine intact, resulting in the production of beneficial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids. The gut microbiota can impact radiotherapy (RT) treatment responses and itself be altered by the radiation. Evidence is emerging that manipulation of the gut microbiota by dietary fibre supplementation can improve tumour responses and reduce normal tissue side effects following RT, although data on tumour response are limited to date. Both may be mediated by immune and non-immune effects of gut microbiota and their metabolites. Alternative approaches include use of probiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Current evidence will be reviewed regarding the use of dietary fibre interventions and gut microbiota modification in improving outcomes for pelvic RT patients. However, data regarding baseline (pre-RT) gut microbiota of RT patients and timing of dietary fibre manipulation (before or during RT) is limited, heterogenous and inconclusive, thus more robust clinical studies are required before these strategies can be applied clinically.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Fiber; Neoplasms
PubMed: 36175620
DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01980-7 -
Journal of the American Association of... Apr 2017Only 5% of adults consume the recommended level of dietary fiber. Fiber supplements appear to be a convenient and concentrated source of fiber, but most do not provide... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Only 5% of adults consume the recommended level of dietary fiber. Fiber supplements appear to be a convenient and concentrated source of fiber, but most do not provide the health benefits associated with dietary fiber.
PURPOSE
This review will summarize the physical effects of isolated fibers in small and large intestines, which drive clinically meaningful health benefits.
DATA SOURCES
A comprehensive literature review was conducted (Scopus and PubMed) without limits to year of publication (latest date included: October 31, 2016).
CONCLUSIONS
The physical effects of fiber in the small intestine drive metabolic health effects (e.g., cholesterol lowering, improved glycemic control), and efficacy is a function of the viscosity of gel-forming fibers (e.g., psyllium, β-glucan). In the large intestine, fiber can provide a laxative effect if (a) it resists fermentation to remain intact throughout the large intestine, and (b) it increases percentage of water content to soften/bulk stool (e.g., wheat bran and psyllium).
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
It is important for nurse practitioners to understand the underlying mechanisms that drive specific fiber-related health benefits, and which fiber supplements have rigorous clinical data to support a recommendation.
CLINICAL PEARL
For most fiber-related beneficial effects, "Fiber needs to gel to keep your patients well."
Topics: Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Glucans; Humans; Intestine, Small; Inulin; Metabolism; Psyllium; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 28252255
DOI: 10.1002/2327-6924.12447 -
Marine Drugs Jan 2016In recent years, scientists have become aware that human microbiota, in general, and gut microbiota, in particular, play a major role in human health and diseases, such... (Review)
Review
In recent years, scientists have become aware that human microbiota, in general, and gut microbiota, in particular, play a major role in human health and diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, among others. A large number of evidence has come to light regarding the beneficial effects, either for the host or the gut microbiota, of some foods and food ingredients or biochemical compounds. Among these, the most promising seem to be polysaccharides (PS) or their derivatives, and they include the dietary fibers. Some of these PS can be found in seaweeds and microalgae, some being soluble fibers, such as alginates, fucoidans, carrageenans and exopolysaccharides, that are not fermented, at least not completely, by colonic microbiota. This review gives an overview of the importance of the dietary fibers, as well as the benefits of prebiotics, to human health. The potential of the PS from marine macro- and microalgae to act as prebiotics is discussed, and the different techniques to obtain oligosaccharides from PS are presented. The mechanisms of the benefits of fiber, in general, and the types and benefits of algal fibers in human health are highlighted. The findings of some recent studies that present the potential effects of prebiotics on animal models of algal biomass and their extracts, as well as oligo- and polysaccharides, are presented. In the future, the possibility of using prebiotics to modulate the microbiome, and, consequently, prevent certain human diseases is foreseen.
Topics: Animals; Dietary Fiber; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Microalgae; Polysaccharides; Prebiotics; Seaweed
PubMed: 26828501
DOI: 10.3390/md14020027 -
Nutrients Feb 2017Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) is a syndrome characterized by recurrent abdominal symptoms in patients with colonic diverticula. There is some... (Review)
Review
Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) is a syndrome characterized by recurrent abdominal symptoms in patients with colonic diverticula. There is some evidence that a high-fiber diet or supplemental fibers may reduce symptoms in SUDD patients and a high-fiber diet is commonly suggested for these patients. This systematic review aims to update the evidence on the efficacy of fiber treatment in SUDD, in terms of a reduction in symptoms and the prevention of acute diverticulitis. According to PRISMA, we identified studies on SUDD patients treated with fibers (PubMed and Scopus). The quality of these studies was evaluated by the Jadad scale. The main outcome measures were a reduction of abdominal symptoms and the prevention of acute diverticulitis. Nineteen studies were included, nine with dietary fiber and 10 with supplemental fiber, with a high heterogeneity concerning the quantity and quality of fibers employed. Single studies suggest that fibers, both dietary and supplemental, could be beneficial in SUDD, even if the quality is very low, with just one study yielding an optimal score. The presence of substantial methodological limitations, the heterogeneity of the therapeutic regimens employed, and the lack of ad hoc designed studies, did not permit a summary of the outcome measure. Thus, the benefit of dietary or supplemental fiber in SUDD patients still needs to be established.
Topics: Databases, Factual; Dietary Fiber; Diverticulosis, Colonic; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28230737
DOI: 10.3390/nu9020161 -
Gut Microbes Dec 2023This study is to investigate whether dietary fiber intake prevents vascular and renal damage in a genetic mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the...
Targeting the gut microbiota with dietary fibers: a novel approach to prevent the development cardiovascular complications linked to systemic lupus erythematosus in a preclinical study.
This study is to investigate whether dietary fiber intake prevents vascular and renal damage in a genetic mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the contribution of gut microbiota in the protective effects. Female NZBWF1 (SLE) mice were treated with resistant-starch (RS) or inulin-type fructans (ITF). In addition, inoculation of fecal microbiota from these experimental groups to recipient normotensive female C57Bl/6J germ-free (GF) mice was performed. Both fiber treatments, especially RS, prevented the development of hypertension, renal injury, improved the aortic relaxation induced by acetylcholine, and the vascular oxidative stress. RS and ITF treatments increased the proportion of acetate- and butyrate-producing bacteria, respectively, improved colonic inflammation and integrity, endotoxemia, and decreased helper T (Th)17 proportion in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), blood, and aorta in SLE mice. However, disease activity (splenomegaly and anti-ds-DNA) was unaffected by both fibers. T cell priming and Th17 differentiation in MLNs and increased Th17 infiltration was linked to aortic endothelial dysfunction and hypertension after inoculation of fecal microbiota from SLE mice to GF mice, without changes in proteinuria and autoimmunity. All these effects were lower in GF mice after fecal inoculation from fiber-treated SLE mice. In conclusion, these findings support that fiber consumption prevented the development of hypertension by rebalancing of dysfunctional gut-immune system-vascular wall axis in SLE.
Topics: Female; Animals; Mice; Dietary Fiber; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Microbiota; Resistant Starch; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Hypertension
PubMed: 37615336
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2247053