Functionality of dietary fiber
2001
Salobir, J. (Ljubljana Univ. (Slovenia). Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept.) | Salobir, B. (Klinicni center, Ljubljana (Slovenia). Bolnica dr. Petra Drzaja)
Dietary fiber is strictly speaking not an essential component of food. Though numerous positive effects on digestion, absorption, intestinal wall and metabolism make dietary fiber a fundamental constituent of food. The mode of action of dietary fiber in upper intestine is different to that in lower intestine. In the upper part of the intestine the effect of soluble, viscous dietary fiber on the dynamics and efficacy of digestion and absorption of nutrients reduces the risk for coronary heart disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and possibly also the arterial hypertension. In the lower gut the action of fermentable and non-fermentable fiber on the gut wall and intestinal contents reduces the risk for development of constipation, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. For these reasons dietary fiber is a typical representative of dietary substances with functional properties.
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