Proven Health Benefits of Different Dietary Fibers in Common Foods

In exploring the "Health Benefits of Different Dietary Fibers in Common Foods," this article delves into the intricate world of dietary fibers, ranging from soluble types like β-glucans, found in oats and barley, to insoluble fibers like arabinoxylans in cereals.

We'll examine the health impacts of these fibers, their role in managing diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular health, and how they contribute to obesity management.

Additionally, the article sheds light on the latest research advancements in dietary fibers and the importance of proper nutritional documentation for a holistic understanding of these essential diet components.

Main Findings

• Dietary fibers are classified into soluble and insoluble types, with distinct health impacts.
• Different fiber subtypes, like β-fructans, β-glucans, pectin, and arabinoxylans, have unique molecular structures and functions.
• These fibers play significant roles in managing diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, gastrointestinal diseases, and colon cancer.
• The study stresses the need for more detailed research and documentation of dietary fiber sources and their effects on health.
• It advocates for a more nuanced understanding of dietary fibers, beyond just classifying them as high or low fiber, or soluble or insoluble.

Understanding Dietary Fibers: What Are They?

Dietary fibers, complex carbohydrate polymers comprising at least three monomeric units, defy digestion in the small intestine A Trusted Source

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Although other fibers can be fermented, their role in promoting beneficial microbes remains uncertain, labeling them as fermentable but not prebiotic (e.g., pectins and cereal mixed linkage beta-glucans).

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Regrettably, most clinical studies persist in focusing on vague "high-fiber" vs. "low-fiber" diets or "soluble" vs. "insoluble" fibers, overlooking the physiologically relevant impact of these fibers in gut fermentation and the generation of "bioactive peptides."

This review underscores the need to assess the intake and influence of specific dietary fibers in health and disease, surpassing mere examination of total fiber intake or solubility.

Exploring Various Fibers Found in Everyday Foods

Total Dietary Fiber in Foods

The amount of total dietary fiber (TDF) in various foods can vary significantly.

In fruits, TDF content ranges from 0.4 to 10.4g/100g of total food volume A Trusted Source

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Passion fruit boasts the highest TDF content among fruits at 10.4g/100g A Trusted Source

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Vegetables, on the other hand, have TDF content ranging from 0.5 to 15.5g/100g A Trusted Source

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Cereal grains, including wheat bran, also contain substantial TDF, ranging from 1.2 to 44.6g/100g A Trusted Source

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While apples are considered a significant source of TDF, reported values vary due to differences in measurement methods and food growth conditions.

For example, a study in Australia reported TDF in rye as 15.2–20.9g/100g A Trusted Source

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TDF content in bananas also varies with ripeness, ranging from 18g/100g in unripe bananas to 2.2g/100g in overripe ones A Trusted Source

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The geographical location of studies further influences TDF content.

For instance, a Brazilian study found that raw peas contain 10.4g/100g of TDF, but freeze-dried cooked peas have 8.98g/100g A Trusted Source

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Wheat grains show variations in TDF content between countries, such as Italy (11.6–17g/100g), Finland (10.2–15.7g/100g), and Serbia (9.2g/100g) A Trusted Source

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Inulin and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Chicory root contains the highest amounts of measured β-fructans at 41.6g/100g inulin and 22.9g/100g FOS, followed by Jerusalem artichokes (18g/100g inulin and 13.5g/100g FOS) and garlic (12.5g/100g inulin and 5g/100g FOS) A Trusted Source

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β-Glucans

β-glucans are primarily found in cereal grains (Henrion, Francey, Lê, & Lamothe, 2019).

The content of β-glucans varies across different grains, including wholegrain wheat (0.2–4.7g/100g), rice (0.13g/100g), maize (0.8–1.7g/100g), sorghum (1.1–6.2g/100g), rye (1–2g/100g), and oats (3.8–6.1/100g) A Trusted Source

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Pectin

Pectin, commonly found in fruits and vegetables, varies in content across different types of produce.

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Arabinoxylans

Arabinoxylan (AX) is predominantly found in cereal grains.

Its content varies, with wheat whole grain containing 4–9g/100g, wheat bran 19.4g/100g, rice bran 4.8–5.1g/100g, rye bran 12.06–14.76g/100g, and oat 2.2–4.1g/100g A Trusted Source

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Bread preparation methods can influence AX content, with leavened bread showing a small reduction (6–10%) in AX during preparation A Trusted Source

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Health Benefits of Different Dietary Fibers

Dietary fibers have been a hot topic since the 1980s, drawing significant attention as a valuable food ingredient with substantial health benefits.

Extensive evidence highlights the positive impact of dietary fibers on a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), diverticular disease, obesity, and cancer.

For instance, insoluble dietary fibers (IDFs) exhibit anti-carcinogenic properties by binding mutagens and toxins A Trusted Source

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Cereal-based dietary fiber has shown promise in reducing the risk of IBD and colorectal cancer by fermenting in the gut, producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), notably butyrate A Trusted Source

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However, despite these insights, the specific amounts of different dietary fibers in foods and the mechanisms governing their interactions with host and microbial cells remain poorly understood.

Additionally, existing studies employ various approaches, ranging from examining isolated fibers to observing whole foods (correlational studies) to conducting randomized control trials (RCTs) using isolated fiber supplements, collectively contributing to our understanding of the health benefits of dietary fibers.

How Different Fibers Benefit Your Health

Beta-Glucans: A Diverse Group of Immune-Boosting Fibers

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Importantly, their binding affinity to Dectin-1 varies depending on their structure, with beta-(1,4) structures showing lower binding than beta-(1,3) and beta-(1,6) structures Brown & Gordon, 2001.

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The fermentation process involves various gut microbes like Enterococcus, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria, producing variable SCFAs.

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Pectins: Complex Polysaccharides with Immune Activation Properties

Pectins, water-soluble dietary fibers found in fruits and vegetables, are intricate polysaccharides mainly consisting of α-1,4-linked d-galacturonic acid residues, partly esterified with methyl and acetyl groups A Trusted Source

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Beta-Fructans: Soluble Fiber with Immune Modulation

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These fibers are fermented by microorganisms like Bifidobacteria, Streptococcus, Flavobacterium, and Lactobacillus, with fermentation rate depending on their degree of polymerization A Trusted Source

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Arabinoxylans: Hemicellulose Polysaccharides with Immune Benefits

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Structural variations in AX, including sugar composition, molecular weight, and linkage, are associated with diverse physiological effects, metabolism, and immune responses.

AXs can activate T and B cells, enhancing humoral and cell-mediated immunity A Trusted Source

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Additionally, ferulic acid in AXs acts as an antioxidant A Trusted Source

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The antioxidative properties are linked to phenolic acid composition, esterified ferulic acid content, and relative xylose residue ratios A Trusted Source

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AXs are fermented by various gut microbes, but the rate depends on source and structure.

Fermentation of AXs from maize and rice bran differs from wheat bran due to branch structures, impacting their fermentation rates A Trusted Source

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AXs protect the immune system by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and colon cancer, along with their beneficial effects on cholesterol, glucose levels, and antioxidant activities.

The Role of Fiber in Fighting Common Health Issues

Heart-Healthy Wonders of Dietary Fibers

Promoting Cardiovascular Health

Dietary fibers play a remarkable role in promoting cardiovascular health, as evidenced by numerous studies A Trusted Source

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For instance, a recent study on mice models demonstrated that a deficiency in dietary fibers, such as resistant starch, led to hypertension and immune pathway suppression, highlighting the protective effects of dietary fibers A Trusted Source

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In human studies, the source of dietary fiber also matters.

Cereal fibers, found in grains, have shown strong protective effects against cardiovascular diseases A Trusted Source

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β-Glucans Take the Spotlight

β-glucans, found in yeast and barley, have demonstrated their cardiovascular benefits.

In a mouse study, a combination of β-glucans led to reduced blood pressure and increased sodium excretion, contributing to antihypertensive effects A Trusted Source

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Clinical trials have shown that barley β-D-glucan can reduce total cholesterol levels A Trusted Source

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Oat fibers, primarily composed of mixed linkage β-D-glucan and arabinoxylan fibers, significantly reduce total blood cholesterol A Trusted Source

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A meta-analysis of trials on barley β-D-glucan observed decreased total and LDL cholesterol levels A Trusted Source

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Pectin's Lesser-Known Role

Pectin, although less studied in the context of cardiovascular health compared to β-glucans, shows promise.

Apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice supplemented with pectin exhibited increased butyrate production, reduced serum cholesterol, and a lower risk of atherosclerosis A Trusted Source

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In a human trial, lemon peel, rich in pectin, didn't significantly affect biochemical factors but showed a slight reduction in LDL A Trusted Source

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Fruits like apples and oranges, containing pectin, have been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease A Trusted Source

Alhabeeb et al., 2022H. Alhabeeb, M.H. Sohouli, A. Lari, S. Fatahi, F. Shidfar, O. Alomar, …, A. Abu-ZaidImpact of orange juice consumption on cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials[View in Scopus

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β-Fructans and Inulin

β-fructans, including inulin, hold potential for cardiovascular health.

A study with inulin supplementation in a Western-type diet didn't reduce atherosclerosis risk in mice but modulated gut microbiota A Trusted Source

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In humans, isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO) supplementation led to reduced total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels A Trusted Source

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AX Fibers Show Promise

Ax fibers, found in brown rice bran and psyllium seed husk, have shown heart-protective properties.

Psyllium seed husk reduced myocardial infarction in rats A Trusted Source

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A study in post-menopausal women found that acylated steryl glucosides (PSG) from brown rice bran reduced LDL-cholesterol levels and inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α) A Trusted Source

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Diabetes-Fighting Potential of Dietary Fibers

Dietary Fibers and Diabetes

Dietary fibers have emerged as potential champions in the battle against diabetes.

Numerous studies suggest a link between higher fiber intake and a reduced risk of diabetes.

While specific impacts of different dietary fibers are still under investigation, some promising findings have been uncovered.

β-Glucans: Taming Blood Sugar

Studies in animals have shown significant associations between barley β-D-glucan intake and improved glycemic status in diabetic rats A Trusted Source

Gao et al., 2012R. Gao, Y. Wang, Z. Wu, J. Ming, G. ZhaoInteraction of barley β‐glucan and tea polyphenols on glucose metabolism in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats[CrossRef

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In rats with diabetes, supplementation of β-(1,3)glucan (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) led to a 30% reduction in blood glucose concentration A Trusted Source

Lobato et al., 2015R.V. Lobato, V.O. Silva, E.F. Andrade, D.R. Orlando, M.G. Zangeronimo, R.V. de Souza, et al.Metabolic effects of β-glucans (Saccharomyces cerevisae) per os administration in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes[View in Scopus

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In humans, prospective cohort studies have highlighted that higher intakes of grains, whole grains, total dietary fiber, and cereal fiber containing β-glucan, arabinoxylan, and β-fructans were associated with a reduced risk of diabetes in older women A Trusted Source

Meyer et al., 2000K.A. Meyer, L.H. Kushi, D.R. Jacobs Jr., J. Slavin, T.A. Sellers, A.R. FolsomCarbohydrates, dietary fiber, and incident type 2 diabetes in older women[View article, CrossRef

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Furthermore, clinical trials have shown that whole grain oat intake can reduce post-meal blood glucose, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol A Trusted Source

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A 5g daily β-glucan supplement in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) improved glycemic control, regulated appetite hormones, and modulated gut microbiota over three months A Trusted Source

Pino et al., 2021J.L. Pino, V. Mujica, M. ArredondoEffect of dietary supplementation with oat β-glucan for 3 months in subjects with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial[View article, View in Scopus

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In healthy subjects, intake of β-D-glucan from oats improved glycemic and insulin responses over two months A Trusted Source

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The effectiveness of β-glucans appears to be influenced by the quantity consumed, duration, and physiochemical properties, primarily due to their gel-forming ability, which helps regulate glucose and insulin release in the intestines A Trusted Source

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Pectin's Hidden Potential

Although pectin fibers have received less attention in diabetes research, intriguing findings have surfaced.

Citrus pectin, derived from orange peels, has demonstrated anti-diabetic effects in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) rats, reducing fasting blood glucose and improving glucose tolerance, hepatic glycogen levels, and blood lipids A Trusted Source

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Low methoxyl pectin supplementation in non-obese diabetic rats limited the development of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

Low methylated pectins have shown protective effects against diabetes-induced oxidative stress in insulin-producing β-cells, potentially by inhibiting toll-like receptor (TLR)2/1 A Trusted Source

Hu et al., 2021S. Hu, F.D. Martinez-Garcia, B.N. Moeun, J.K. Burgess, M.C. Harmsen, C. Hoesli, et al.An immune regulatory 3D-printed alginate-pectin construct for immunoisolation of insulin producing beta-cells[View article, View in Scopus

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While clinical trials are yet to be conducted, these animal and biochemical studies suggest the diabetes-fighting potential of pectin.

β-Fructans: A Diabetes Ally

Inulin-type fructans, a subset of β-fructans, have demonstrated their anti-diabetic prowess.

In T2D rats, consumption of inulin-type fructans reduced fasting blood glucose, glucose intolerance, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 A Trusted Source

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Long-chain inulin-type fructans from chicory root slowed diabetes progression in non-obese T1D mice A Trusted Source

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In humans, inulin-type fructan supplements reduced fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance in prediabetic and T2D patients A Trusted Source

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However, a study in healthy adults showed no significant effects on fasting blood glucose or fasting insulin after 6 months of inulin-type fructan intake A Trusted Source

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Interestingly, supplementation with inulin alone in T2D patients displayed no effects on fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance, suggesting potential benefits of mixed fiber supplementation A Trusted Source

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Arabinoxylans: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Arabinoxylans, another group of dietary fibers, have revealed their potential in diabetes management.

In rats with T2D, arabinoxylan consumption normalized bile acid levels, decreased opportunistic pathogens, increased beneficial fiber-degrading bacteria, and raised short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production A Trusted Source

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In humans with T2D, a high-arabinoxylan diet improved glycemic control A Trusted Source

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Weight Management Benefits of Dietary Fibers

Dietary Fibers and Obesity

Dietary fibers have a potential role in weight management, offering insights into how they might help curb obesity by regulating feelings of fullness and more.

Appetite Regulation with SCFA

The fermentation of dietary fibers by gut microbes produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which can cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce appetite A Trusted Source

Reigstad et al., 2015C.S. Reigstad, C.E. Salmonson, J.F. Rainey 3rd, J.H. Szurszewski, D.R. Linden, J.L. Sonnenburg, …, P.C. KashyapGut microbes promote colonic serotonin production through an effect of short-chain fatty acids on enterochromaffin cells[View in Scopus

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This suggests that increasing the consumption of easily fermentable dietary fibers could lead to reduced daily calorie intake and a decreased risk of obesity.

β-Glucans: Battling Fat

Animal studies have shown that β-glucans from sources like Agaricus bisporus can lower fat levels, limit fat deposits, and reduce obesity A Trusted Source

Li et al., 2019X. Li, Y. Xue, L. Pang, B. Len, Z. Lin, J. Huang, …, Y. PanAgaricus bisporus-derived β-glucan prevents obesity through PPAR γ downregulation and autophagy induction in zebrafish fed by chicken egg yolk[View article, CrossRef

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In humans, intake of barley β-D-glucan for 12 weeks significantly decreased visceral fat area, waist circumference, body weight, and body mass index A Trusted Source

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Yeast β-glucan supplements also had protective effects on pro-cytokines, blood pressure, and waist circumference in obese and overweight individuals A Trusted Source

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Pectin's Impact on Obesity

Pectin, found in various foods, showed promising results in alleviating obesity.

Studies demonstrated that pectin consumption led to reduced visceral fats, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and fat accumulation in the liver and heart in obese rats A Trusted Source

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Apple pectin also contributed to weight reduction in obese rats A Trusted Source

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Furthermore, apple pectin altered gut microbiota, reduced inflammation, and inhibited weight gain and fat accumulation in obese rats A Trusted Source

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A randomized control trial in obese patients showed that daily pectin intake elevated satiety and slowed gastric emptying A Trusted Source

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β-Fructans: Aiding Weight Loss

Obese rats treated with β-fructan for 8 weeks displayed reduced energy intake, body weight, and liver triacylglycerol accumulation compared to controls A Trusted Source

Daubioul et al., 2002C. Daubioul, N. Rousseau, R. Demeure, B. Gallez, H. Taper, B. Declerck, et al.Dietary fructans, but not cellulose, decrease triglyceride accumulation in the liver of obese Zucker fa/fa rats[View article, CrossRef

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In obese women, β-fructan treatment for 3 months resulted in reduced serum lipopolysaccharide levels, fat mass, plasma lactate, and phosphatidylcholine levels, associated with changes in gut microbiota composition A Trusted Source

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Another study found that inulin-type fructans reduced appetite and altered microbial communities in obese and overweight adults A Trusted Source

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Consumption of agave fructans in obese individuals over 12 weeks led to reduced body mass index (BMI), hip and waist circumferences, triglycerides, and decreased total body fat A Trusted Source

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Arabinoxylans: Countering Obesity

Supplementing high molecular weight wheat arabinoxylans (AX) in obese mice for 4 weeks reduced diet-induced adiposity, body weight gain, cholesterol accumulation, and insulin resistance A Trusted Source

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Wheat bran arabinoxylan oligosaccharides over 8 weeks reduced obesity in mice by increasing satietogenic peptide production A Trusted Source

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In obese and overweight individuals, a 6-week supplementation with long-chain corn bran arabinoxylan modulated gut microbiota and SCFAs production A Trusted Source

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Another study showed that 15g/day of AX for 6 weeks in obese individuals increased SCFA production, reduced fecal pH, and decreased inflammatory cytokines production A Trusted Source

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Gastrointestinal Health with Dietary Fibers

Dietary Fibers and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Dietary fibers offer therapeutic potential in various gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), diverticular disease, and constipation.

Both soluble and insoluble fibers play a crucial role in enhancing stool consistency and weight, thereby addressing issues like constipation.

IBD and Dietary Fiber

Studies have revealed a strong connection between diet and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Many IBD patients identify diet as a trigger for their condition, leading to dietary restrictions A Trusted Source

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Research has shown significant correlations between the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and Crohn's disease, with long-term dietary fiber intake from fruit sources reducing the risk of Crohn's disease by 40% A Trusted Source

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Interestingly, dietary fiber types like β-glucans, β-fructans, and others have varying effects on intestinal barrier integrity and inflammation.

Beneficial Effects of β-Glucans

Supplementing high molar mass oat β-D-glucan for 30 days in individuals with chronic gastritis reduced mucosal damage and C-reactive protein A Trusted Source

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In mice, oat β-D-glucan mitigated colitis by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and regulating microbial metabolites A Trusted Source

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Similar results were observed with Lentinus edodes-derived β-(1,3)glucan and highland barley β-D-glucan, but unfermented barley β-D-glucan caused intestinal barrier damage, highlighting the role of gut microbiota A Trusted Source

Chen et al., 2021M. Chen, S. Tian, S. Li, X. Pang, J. Sun, X. Zhu, …, X. Liβ-Glucan extracted from highland barley alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6J mice[CrossRef

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Armstrong et al., 2022H.K. Armstrong, M. Bording-Jorgensen, D.M. Santer, Z. Zhang, R. Valcheva, A.M. Rieger, …, E. WineUnfermented β-fructan fibers fuel inflammation in select inflammatory bowel disease patients[Google Scholar

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In remission ulcerative colitis patients, oat bran consumption increased stool butyrate levels, improving gastrointestinal symptoms.

Effects of β-Fructans

Oligofructose-enriched inulin supplements reduced fecal calprotectin levels in active ulcerative colitis patients A Trusted Source

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However, the impact of β-fructans depends on SCFA production via microbe-mediated fiber fermentation.

β-fructans supplements improved clinical remission and reduced fecal calprotectin in some patients but worsened symptomatic relapse and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in others A Trusted Source

Armstrong et al., 2022H.K. Armstrong, M. Bording-Jorgensen, D.M. Santer, Z. Zhang, R. Valcheva, A.M. Rieger, …, E. WineUnfermented β-fructan fibers fuel inflammation in select inflammatory bowel disease patients[Google Scholar

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In a study involving active Crohn's disease patients, FOS (fructooligosaccharides) showed no significant clinical impact and even increased disease severity A Trusted Source

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Disease severity and gut microbiota play crucial roles in mediating the effects of β-fructan fibers.

Dietary Fibers from Pectin

Different pectin types had varying effects on gastrointestinal health.

Orange pectin reduced clinical symptoms and colon damage, lowering IL-1β and IL-6 levels in mice A Trusted Source

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Artichoke pectin decreased IL-1β and IL-6 in DSS-induced colitis mice A Trusted Source

Sabater et al., 2019C. Sabater, J.A. Molina-Tijeras, T. Vezza, N. Corzo, A. Montilla, P. UtrillaIntestinal anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke pectin and modified pectin fractions in the dextran sulfate sodium model of mice colitis. Artificial neural network modelling of inflammatory markers[CrossRef

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Consumption of pectin following fecal microbiota transplantation in ulcerative colitis patients improved microbiota diversity and decreased the Mayo score A Trusted Source

Wei et al., 2016Y. Wei, J. Gong, W. Zhu, H. Tian, C. Ding, L. Gu, …, J. LiPectin enhances the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation in ulcerative colitis by delaying the loss of diversity of gut flora[CrossRef

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Dietary Fibers and Colon Cancer

Dietary Fibers: Your Ally Against Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant concern, but dietary fibers offer a protective shield against it.

The link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and CRC suggests the potential benefits of dietary fibers A Trusted Source

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These benefits hinge on fiber fermentation and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) like butyrate.

The Fiber Puzzle in CRC Prevention

Understanding the specific impact of different fiber types on CRC remains a challenge.

While many studies have shown an inverse relationship between fiber intake and CRC risk, there's variation in which fiber-rich foods significantly reduce this risk A Trusted Source

Hullings et al., 2020A.G. Hullings, R. Sinha, L.M. Liao, N.D. Freedman, B.I. Graubard, E. LoftfieldWhole grain and dietary fiber intake and risk of colorectal cancer in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study cohort[View article, Google Scholar

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Kunzmann et al., 2015A.T. Kunzmann, H.G. Coleman, W.Y. Huang, C.M. Kitahara, M.M. Cantwell, S.I. BerndtDietary fiber intake and risk of colorectal cancer and incident and recurrent adenoma in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial[View article, View in Scopus

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Murphy et al., 2012N. Murphy, T. Norat, P. Ferrari, M. Jenab, B. Bueno-de-Mesquita, G. Skeie, …, E. RiboliDietary fibre intake and risks of cancers of the colon and rectum in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC)[View in Scopus

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β-Glucans: Immune Warriors

β-glucans emerge as potential CRC defenders due to their immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties A Trusted Source

Han et al., 2022X. Han, R. Luo, N. Ye, Y. Hu, C. Fu, R. Gao, …, F. GaoResearch progress on natural beta-glucan in intestinal diseases[View article, View in Scopus

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In animal studies, β-glucans have shown protective effects against CRC and reduced mortality rates A Trusted Source

Qi et al., 2019J. Qi, J. Yu, Y. Li, J. Luo, C. Zhang, S. Ou, …, X. PengAlternating consumption of beta-glucan and quercetin reduces mortality in mice with colorectal cancer[View in Scopus

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Combining β-glucans and quercetin (a flavonoid) in a mouse study led to reduced CRC mortality by 12% through alterations in gut bacteria and gene expression A Trusted Source

Qi et al., 2019J. Qi, J. Yu, Y. Li, J. Luo, C. Zhang, S. Ou, …, X. PengAlternating consumption of beta-glucan and quercetin reduces mortality in mice with colorectal cancer[View in Scopus

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β-(1,3)glucan from Lentinus edodes induced anti-tumor effects in CRC cell lines.

Clinical trials have also supported the protective effects of β-D-glucans in CRC and reduced chemotherapy side effects A Trusted Source

Hazama et al., 2009S. Hazama, S. Watanabe, M. Ohashi, M. Yagi, M. Suzuki, K. Matsuda, …, M. OkaEfficacy of orally administered superfine dispersed lentinan (beta-1,3-glucan) for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer[View in Scopus

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Barley β-D-glucan has shown promise in reducing CRC risk in high-risk individuals A Trusted Source

Hazama et al., 2009S. Hazama, S. Watanabe, M. Ohashi, M. Yagi, M. Suzuki, K. Matsuda, …, M. OkaEfficacy of orally administered superfine dispersed lentinan (beta-1,3-glucan) for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer[View in Scopus

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Pectins: Nature's Shield

Pectins have demonstrated potential in CRC prevention through animal studies and cell lines, although human studies are limited.

For example, both citrus and apple pectin reduced tumor numbers in rat studies A Trusted Source

Ohkami et al., 1995H. Ohkami, K. Tazawa, I. Yamashita, T. Shimizu, K. Murai, K. Kobashi, et al.Effects of apple pectin on fecal bacterial enzymes in azoxymethane-induced rat colon carcinogenesis[View in Scopus

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In another study, pectin significantly reduced colon cancer incidence in mice A Trusted Source

Heitman et al., 1992D.W. Heitman, W.E. Hardman, I.L. CameronDietary supplementation with pectin and guar gum on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats[View in Scopus

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Sweet potato pectin inhibited CRC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro A Trusted Source

Ogutu et al., 2018F.O. Ogutu, T.H. Mu, H. Sun, M. ZhangUltrasonic modified sweet potato pectin induces apoptosis like cell death in colon cancer (HT-29) cell line[View in Scopus

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β-Fructans: A Complex Story

β-fructans show promise in animal models but yield conflicting results in clinical trials A Trusted Source

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In mice, combining β-fructans with butyrate-producing bacteria reduced tumor numbers A Trusted Source

Donohoe et al., 2014D.R. Donohoe, D. Holley, L.B. Collins, S.A. Montgomery, A.C. Whitmore, A. Hillhouse, …, S.J. BultmanA gnotobiotic mouse model demonstrates that dietary fiber protects against colorectal tumorigenesis in a microbiota- and butyrate-dependent manner[View in Scopus

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Inulin, a β-fructan, reduced colon cancer incidence and altered gut bacteria composition in another study A Trusted Source

Moen et al., 2016B. Moen, K. Henjum, I. Mage, S.H. Knutsen, I. Rud, R.B. Hetland, et al.Effect of dietary fibers on cecal microbiota and intestinal tumorigenesis in azoxymethane treated A/J Min/+ mice[View in Scopus

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Clinical trials, however, offer mixed results.

While some studies showed increased fecal butyrate levels with FOS (fructooligosaccharides), others found no significant impact on colonic cell proliferation A Trusted Source

Boutron-Ruault et al., 2005M.C. Boutron-Ruault, P. Marteau, A. Lavergne-Slove, A. Myara, M.F. Gerhardt, C. Franchisseur, …, G. Eripolyp StudyEffects of a 3-mo consumption of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides on parameters of colorectal carcinogenesis in patients with or without small or large colorectal adenomas[View in Scopus

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Arabinoxylans: Taming Inflammation

Arabinoxylan fibers reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in CRC cell lines.

In humans, wheat bran rich in arabinoxylans reduced DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in individuals at risk of CRC A Trusted Source

Alberts et al., 1990D.S. Alberts, J. Einspahr, S. Rees-McGee, P. Ramanujam, M.K. Buller, L. Clark, et al.Effects of dietary wheat bran fiber on rectal epithelial cell proliferation in patients with resection for colorectal cancers[View in Scopus

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More research is needed to assess the potential of BioBran/MGN-3 Arabinoxylan as an immunomodulator for cancer patients A Trusted Source

Ooi et al., 2018S.L. Ooi, D. McMullen, T. Golombick, D. Nut, S.C. PakEvidence-based review of BioBran/MGN-3 arabinoxylan compound as a complementary therapy for conventional cancer treatment[View in Scopus

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Beyond CRC: Other Cancer Connections

Dietary fibers may also play a role in preventing other cancers.

For instance, endometrial cancer risk inversely correlates with total dietary fiber (TDF) and vegetable intake.

This highlights the importance of exploring different fiber subtypes and their unique bioactivities in the context of cancer prevention.

Review date not set.