Can fiber improve gut health?

Introduction

The role of dietary fiber in gut health has been a significant focus of research due to its potential benefits in modulating gut microbiota, improving digestion, and preventing gastrointestinal disorders. This synthesis aims to consolidate findings from multiple studies to determine whether fiber can improve gut health.

Key Insights

Increased Microbiota Diversity and Abundance:
- Intact cereal fibers, such as wheat bran, increase microbiota diversity and abundance, with effects observable from 24 hours to 52 weeks.
- Dietary fiber interventions, particularly involving fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides, lead to higher fecal abundance of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp..
Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs):
- Dietary fibers promote the production of SCFAs, which are crucial for gut health. These metabolites improve glucose and lipid metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties .
- Higher fecal butyrate concentrations were observed following fiber interventions, indicating enhanced microbial fermentation.
Gut Barrier Function and Pathogen Resistance:
- Fiber deprivation leads to the erosion of the colonic mucus barrier, increasing susceptibility to pathogens and promoting conditions like colitis.
- Dietary fiber helps maintain intestinal integrity and reduces gut permeability, which is crucial for preventing systemic inflammation .
Regulation of Gut Microbiota and Inflammation:
- Different types of dietary fiber can modulate gut microbiota composition, reducing inflammation and improving gut health. For example, alfalfa meal supplementation in sows reduced intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation.
- Fiber's physicochemical properties, such as solubility and fermentability, determine its functional impact on gut health, including stool formation and transit time.
Impact on Gastrointestinal Disorders:
- Dietary fiber has been shown to manage and prevent gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and functional constipation by improving gut microbiota composition and function .

Conclusion

The collective evidence strongly supports that dietary fiber improves gut health by enhancing microbiota diversity and abundance, promoting the production of beneficial SCFAs, maintaining gut barrier function, and reducing inflammation. These benefits underscore the importance of incorporating various types of dietary fiber into the diet to support overall gastrointestinal health.

Can fiber improve gut health?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

The Effects of Intact Cereal Grain Fibers, Including Wheat Bran on the Gut Microbiota Composition of Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

Intact cereal fiber consumption, including wheat bran, can increase gut microbiota diversity and abundance in healthy adults, with effects apparent from 24 hours to 52 weeks.

Dietary fibre in gastrointestinal health and disease

Dietary fibers, found in whole foods, can improve gastrointestinal health and manage gastrointestinal disorders, but optimal dose, type, and source remain unclear.

Dietary fiber intervention on gut microbiota composition in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dietary fiber interventions, particularly involving fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides, lead to higher fecal abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp., but do not affect alpha diversity in healthy adults.

A Dietary Fiber-Deprived Gut Microbiota Degrades the Colonic Mucus Barrier and Enhances Pathogen Susceptibility

Dietary fiber deficiency leads to gut microbiota resorting to host-secreted mucus glycoproteins, erodes the colonic mucus barrier, and increases pathogen susceptibility, potentially impacting health through dietary therapeutics.

The Impact of Dietary Fiber on Gut Microbiota in Host Health and Disease.

Dietary fibers play a crucial role in modulating gut microbiota, promoting host health and preventing diseases.

Dietary Fibre Modulates the Gut Microbiota

Different types of dietary fiber can improve glucose and lipid metabolism by altering gut microbiota composition and function.

Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits

Dietary fiber and prebiotics both contribute to gut health and cardiovascular disease prevention by promoting beneficial gut bacteria and promoting overall gut health.

Dietary fiber and digestive health in children

Dietary fiber-containing foods and supplements show potential benefits for children's digestive health, but more well-designed trials are needed to confirm these effects with whole-grain sources.

Consumption of Dietary Fiber from Different Sources during Pregnancy Alters Sow Gut Microbiota and Improves Performance and Reduces Inflammation in Sows and Piglets

Dietary fiber supplementation during pregnancy improves gut health and reduces inflammation in sows and their offspring, promoting reproductive performance and physical condition.

Dietary Fiber Is Essential to Maintain Intestinal Size, L-Cell Secretion, and Intestinal Integrity in Mice

Dietary fiber is essential for maintaining intestinal weight, colonic L-cell secretion, and intestinal integrity in mice.

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