FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Dietary Fiber, a vital component of a balanced diet
Dietary fiber is a vital component of a balanced diet, mainly found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. For healthcare professionals, it is important to understand the different types and benefits of fiber to provide tailored dietary advice that helps patients achieve and maintain optimal health.
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Prebiotic fibers
Prebiotic Fibers
Inulin-Oligofructose-GOS
Prebiotic Fibers
Prebiotic fibers are dietary fibers that feed beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting overall health and well-being.
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Nutrition
Health & Nutrition
Benefits & Healthy Living
Health & Nutrition
Prebiotic fibers offer numerous benefits that support a healthy lifestyle. Read on to discover these advantages and learn who can gain the most.
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News
Articles & updates
What you need to know
Articles & updates
Latest news surrounding prebiotic fibers, including emerging science, insightful conferences and other useful tools.
Key differences: Soluble vs. insoluble fiber
Dietary fiber is the indigestible part of the diet that passes relatively intact through the digestive system. But did you know that not all fibers are alike? They are typically classified as soluble or insoluble.
Soluble fiber
Digest
Dissolves in water; some form a gel-like substanceimproving viscosity.
Fibers
Soluble fibers include e.g. gums, pectins, beta-glucans, inulin and are found in oats, beans, fruits and vegetables.
Benefits
They help lower cholesterol and glucose levels, supporting digestive health.
Insoluble fiber
Digest
Does not dissolve in water; absorbs water to aid digestion.
Fibers
Insoluble fibers include lignin and cellulose and are found in wheat bran, nuts, beans and vegetables.
Benefits
They benefit those with constipation.
Fermentable fiber
Digest
Digested by friendly gut bacteria. Some are prebiotic promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
Fibers
Most fermentable fibers are soluble. They include pectins, beta-glucans, guar gum, inulin and oligofructose.
Benefits
Whole-food sources of fermentable fibers are beans and legumes.
The significant benefits of Inulin and Oligofructose
Inulin and oligofructose are vital fermentable prebiotic fibers promoting beneficial gut bacteria, offering significant benefits. The chicory root is especially rich in inulin and oligofructose. Daily intake of fiber is key, yet often insufficient. Adding chicory root fibers to foods or supplements can help. This website emphasizes their importance with particular focus on prebiotic fiber and its unique health effects
What exactly is a prebiotic?
Learn all about prebiotics with this concise ISAPP (International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics) infographic and engaging short educational video.
Prebiotic benefits of chicory root fibers
A systematic review using high-quality clinical trials found that just 3 g/day of chicory root fibers can significantly increase beneficial bifidobacteria in the gut and improve bowel function across all age groups.
Emerging science on prebiotics & mood
Dr. Bob Rastall presented ground-breaking findings on prebiotic chicory root fibers at the Today’s Dietitian Spring Symposium 2024. His top-rated talk revealed that just 8 g/day can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in 28 days.