Fibre competencies

More and more, there is a move towards physiology as a basis for a definition because ultimately this is what has more relevance for consumers. Typical physiological considerations are that fibre regularises bowel function, attenuates glucose absorption and, in some cases, has been shown to have a positive influence on serum cholesterol.

Insoluble fibre

Dietary fibre comprises both insoluble and soluble forms. The health benefits of adequate fibre intake are dependent on good intake of both forms. Insoluble fibre sources include cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignins, all derived from plant material. Insoluble fibre aids gut motility due to the fact that it is not digested in the stomach or small intestine but passes through the colon relatively intact.

Soluble fibre

Soluble fibre has less effect on gut motility than insoluble fibre and is defined by its ability to solubilise in water. Soluble fibre is also not digested in the stomach or small intestine and has a greater role in the prevention and management of lifestyle diseases such as high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.

Recommended Daily Intake

Japan was possibly the first country to look at adding fibre to foods and beverages but now this trend has spread to the rest of the world, where the fibre intake is much lower than the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of approx 30 g per day. Ingestion of fibre can prevent constipation, hypertension, growth of intestinal pathogens, and has even been linked to the prevention of obesity, cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Danisco products

Danisco offers both Litesse® Polydextrose, a soluble fibre, and Fibrex®, which is both a soluble and insoluble fibre source.