Health benefits of dietary fiber
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 1 April 2009
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Nutrition Reviews
- Vol. 67 (4), 188-205
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00189.x
Abstract
Dietary fiber intake provides many health benefits. However, average fiber intakes for US children and adults are less than half of the recommended levels. Individuals with high intakes of dietary fiber appear to be at significantly lower risk for developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Increasing fiber intake lowers blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels. Increased intake of soluble fiber improves glycemia and insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic and diabetic individuals. Fiber supplementation in obese individuals significantly enhances weight loss. Increased fiber intake benefits a number of gastrointestinal disorders including the following: gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenal ulcer, diverticulitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Prebiotic fibers appear to enhance immune function. Dietary fiber intake provides similar benefits for children as for adults. The recommended dietary fiber intakes for children and adults are 14 g/1000 kcal. More effective communication and consumer education is required to enhance fiber consumption from foods or supplements.Keywords
This publication has 115 references indexed in Scilit:
- Fiber intake and risk of adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and stomachCancer Causes & Control, 2007
- Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations Revision 2006Circulation, 2006
- Consumption of Whole Grain and Legume Powder Reduces Insulin Demand, Lipid Peroxidation, and Plasma Homocysteine Concentrations in Patients With Coronary Artery DiseaseArteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2001
- Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease in Women through Diet and LifestyleNew England Journal of Medicine, 2000
- Soluble fiber enhances the hypocholesterolemic effect of the step I diet in childhood.Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1995
- Role of water-soluble dietary fiber in the management of elevated plasma cholesterol in healthy subjectsThe American Journal of Cardiology, 1992
- Fruit, vegetables, and cancer prevention: A review of the epidemiological evidenceNutrition and Cancer, 1992
- Can lifestyle changes reverse coronary heart disease?The Lancet, 1990
- The therapeutic effect of fiber in treating obesity.Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1987
- Effect of Guar Gum on the Arterial Blood PressureActa Medica Scandinavica, 1987