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Dietary Fiber and Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2019) | Viewed by 140786

Special Issue Editors

Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Interests: dietary fiber; cognitive function; metabolic regulation; whole grain; rye; dietary prevention; diet intervention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Interests: starch; dietary fibre; metabolic responses; metabolic syndrome; dietary interventions; clinical trials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dep. of Food Technology, engineering and Nutrition, Lund University

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on “Dietary Fiber and Human Health” deals with the potential health effects of dietary fiber with respect to cardiometabolic risk. The effects of dietary fiber (DF) may be investigated on isolated supplements to the diet, or as endogenous DF included in the normal food matrix, for example, whole grain. The issue addresses both physiological effects linked to upper gastrointestinal mechanisms and mechanisms related to colonic fermentation of DF, involving gut microbiota composition and effects of colonic fermentation derived metabolites.  

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles based on acute, short term or long term interventions in healthy adults, addressing effects of DF on cardiometabolic risk-related markers, as well as studies performed in murine models. It also welcomes systematic reviews or meta analyses of health-related effects of dietary fiber in humans.

Assoc. Prof. Anne Nilsson
Dr. Juscelino Tovar
Prof. Margareta Nyman
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Dietary fiber
  • Diet interventions
  • Cardiometabolic risk-related markers
  • Colonic fermentation
  • Murine models

Published Papers (19 papers)

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14 pages, 257 KiB  
Article
Obesity Does Not Modulate the Glycometabolic Benefit of Insoluble Cereal Fibre in Subjects with Prediabetes—A Stratified Post Hoc Analysis of the Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT)
by Stefan Kabisch, Nina Marie Tosca Meyer, Caroline Honsek, Christiana Gerbracht, Ulrike Dambeck, Margrit Kemper, Martin A. Osterhoff, Andreas L. Birkenfeld, Ayman M. Arafat, Martin O. Weickert and Andreas F.H. Pfeiffer
Nutrients 2019, 11(11), 2726; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11112726 - 11 Nov 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5297
Abstract
Obesity does not modulate the glycometabolic benefit of insoluble cereal fibre in subjects with prediabetes—a stratified post hoc analysis of the Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT). Background: OptiFiT demonstrated the beneficial effect of insoluble oat fibres on dysglycemia in prediabetes. Recent analyses of OptiFiT [...] Read more.
Obesity does not modulate the glycometabolic benefit of insoluble cereal fibre in subjects with prediabetes—a stratified post hoc analysis of the Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT). Background: OptiFiT demonstrated the beneficial effect of insoluble oat fibres on dysglycemia in prediabetes. Recent analyses of OptiFiT and other randomised controlled trials (RCTs) indicated that this effect might be specific for the subgroup of patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). As subjects with IFG are more often obese, there is a need to clarify if the effect modulation is actually driven by glycemic state or body mass index (BMI). Aim: We conducted a stratified post hoc analysis of OptiFiT based on the presence or absence of obesity. Methods: 180 Caucasian participants with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were randomised in a double-blinded fashion to either twice-a-day fibre or placebo supplementation for 2 years (n = 89 and 91, respectively). Once a year, they underwent fasting blood sampling, an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) and full anthropometry. At baseline, out of 136 subjects who completed the first year of intervention, 87 (62%) were classified as OBESE (BMI >30) and 49 subjects were NONOBESE. We performed a stratified per-protocol analysis of the primary glycemic and secondary metabolic effects attributable to dietary fibre supplementation after 1 year of intervention. Results: Neither the NONOBESE nor the OBESE subgroup showed significant differences between the respective fibre and placebo groups in metabolic, anthropometric or inflammatory outcomes. None of the four subgroups showed a significant improvement in either fasting glucose or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) after 1 year of intervention and only OBESE fibre subjects improved 2 h glucose. Within the NONOBESE stratum, there were no significant differences in the change of primary or secondary metabolic parameters between the fibre and placebo arms. We found a significant interaction effect for leukocyte count (time × supplement × obesity status). Within the OBESE stratum, leukocyte count and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels decreased more in the fibre group compared with placebo (adjusted for change in body weight). Comparison of both fibre groups revealed that OBESE subjects had a significantly stronger benefit with respect to leukocyte count and fasting C-peptide levels than NONOBESE participants. Only the effect on leukocyte count survived correction for multiple comparisons. In contrast, under placebo conditions, NONOBESE subjects managed to decrease their body fat content significantly more than OBESE ones. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis resulted in similar outcomes. Conclusions: The state of obesity does not relevantly modulate the beneficial effect of cereal fibre on major glycometabolic parameters by fibre supplementation, but leukocyte levels may be affected. Hence, BMI is not a suitable parameter to stratify this cohort with respect to diabetes risk or responsiveness to cereal fibre, but obesity needs to be accounted for when assessing anti-inflammatory effects of fibre treatments. Targeted diabetes prevention should focus on the actual metabolic state rather than on mere obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
13 pages, 264 KiB  
Article
Fasting Glucose State Determines Metabolic Response to Supplementation with Insoluble Cereal Fibre: A Secondary Analysis of the Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT)
by Stefan Kabisch, Nina M. T. Meyer, Caroline Honsek, Christiana Gerbracht, Ulrike Dambeck, Margrit Kemper, Martin A. Osterhoff, Andreas L. Birkenfeld, Ayman M. Arafat, Mads F. Hjorth, Martin O. Weickert and Andreas F. H. Pfeiffer
Nutrients 2019, 11(10), 2385; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11102385 - 06 Oct 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4969
Abstract
Background: High intake of cereal fibre is associated with reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and long-term complications. Within the first long-term randomized controlled trial specifically targeting cereal fibre, the Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT), intake of insoluble oat fibre was shown to significantly [...] Read more.
Background: High intake of cereal fibre is associated with reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and long-term complications. Within the first long-term randomized controlled trial specifically targeting cereal fibre, the Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT), intake of insoluble oat fibre was shown to significantly reduce glycaemia. Previous studies suggested that this effect might be limited to subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Aim: We stratified the OptiFiT cohort for normal and impaired fasting glucose (NFG, IFG) and conducted a secondary analysis comparing the effects of fibre supplementation between these subgroups. Methods: 180 Caucasian participants with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were randomized to twice-a-day fibre or placebo supplementation for 2 years (n = 89 and 91, respectively), while assuring double-blinded intervention. Fasting blood sampling, oral glucose tolerance test and full anthropometry were assessed annually. At baseline, out of 136 subjects completing the first year of intervention, 72 (54%) showed IFG and IGT, while 64 subjects had IGT only (labelled “NFG”). Based on these two groups, we performed a stratified per-protocol analysis of glycometabolic and secondary effects during the first year of intervention. Results: The NFG group did not show significant differences between fibre and placebo group concerning anthropometric, glycometabolic, or other biochemical parameters. Within the IFG stratum, 2-h glucose, HbA1c, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels decreased more in the fibre group, with a significant supplement x IFG interaction effect for HbA1c. Compared to NFG subjects, IFG subjects had larger benefits from fibre supplementation with respect to fasting glucose levels. Results were robust against adjustment for weight change and sex. An ITT analysis did not reveal any differences from the per-protocol analysis. Conclusions: Although stratification resulted in relatively small subgroups, we were able to pinpoint our previous findings from the entire cohort to the IFG subgroup. Cereal fibre can beneficially affect glycemic metabolism, with most pronounced or even isolated effectiveness in subjects with impaired fasting glucose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
19 pages, 1793 KiB  
Article
Specific Wheat Fractions Influence Hepatic Fat Metabolism in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
by Daniela Graf, Karolin Weitkunat, Andreas Dötsch, Gerhard Liebisch, Maik Döring, Ralf Krüger, Dominic Stoll, Elisabeth Vatareck, Elena von Coburg, Gunnar Loh and Bernhard Watzl
Nutrients 2019, 11(10), 2348; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11102348 - 02 Oct 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4217
Abstract
Low whole grain consumption is a risk factor for the development of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Dietary fiber and phytochemicals are bioactive grain compounds, which could be involved in mediating these beneficial effects. These compounds are not equally distributed in [...] Read more.
Low whole grain consumption is a risk factor for the development of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Dietary fiber and phytochemicals are bioactive grain compounds, which could be involved in mediating these beneficial effects. These compounds are not equally distributed in the wheat grain, but are enriched in the bran and aleurone fractions. As little is known on physiological effects of different wheat fractions, the aim of this study was to investigate this aspect in an obesity model. For twelve weeks, C57BL/6J mice were fed high-fat diets (HFD), supplemented with one of four wheat fractions: whole grain flour, refined white flour, bran, or aleurone. The different diets did not affect body weight, however bran and aleurone decreased liver triglyceride content, and increased hepatic n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations. Furthermore, lipidomics analysis revealed increased PUFA concentration in the lipid classes of phosphatidylcholine (PC), PC-ether, and phosphatidylinositol in the plasma of mice fed whole grain, bran, and aleurone supplemented diets, compared to refined white flour. Furthermore, bran, aleurone, and whole grain supplemented diets increased microbial α-diversity, but only bran and aleurone increased the cecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids. The effects on hepatic lipid metabolism might thus at least partially be mediated by microbiota-dependent mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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12 pages, 423 KiB  
Communication
Role of Fibre in Nutritional Management of Pancreatic Diseases
by Emanuela Ribichini, Serena Stigliano, Sara Rossi, Piera Zaccari, Maria Carlotta Sacchi, Giovanni Bruno, Danilo Badiali and Carola Severi
Nutrients 2019, 11(9), 2219; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11092219 - 14 Sep 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5277
Abstract
The role of fibre intake in the management of patients with pancreatic disease is still controversial. In acute pancreatitis, a prebiotic enriched diet is associated with low rates of pancreatic necrosis infection, hospital stay, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiorgan failure. This protective [...] Read more.
The role of fibre intake in the management of patients with pancreatic disease is still controversial. In acute pancreatitis, a prebiotic enriched diet is associated with low rates of pancreatic necrosis infection, hospital stay, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiorgan failure. This protective effect seems to be connected with the ability of fibre to stabilise the disturbed intestinal barrier homeostasis and to reduce the infection rate. On the other hand, in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a high content fibre diet is associated with an increased wet fecal weight and fecal fat excretion because of the fibre inhibition of pancreatic enzymes. The mechanism by which dietary fibre reduces the pancreatic enzyme activity is still not clear. It seems likely that pancreatic enzymes are absorbed on the fibre surface or entrapped in pectin, a gel-like substance, and are likely inactivated by anti-nutrient compounds present in some foods. The aim of the present review is to highlight the current knowledge on the role of fibre in the nutritional management of patients with pancreatic disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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11 pages, 603 KiB  
Article
Intake of Nutrient and Non-Nutrient Dietary Antioxidants. Contribution of Macromolecular Antioxidant Polyphenols in an Elderly Mediterranean Population
by Isabel Goñi and Ana Hernández-Galiot
Nutrients 2019, 11(9), 2165; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11092165 - 10 Sep 2019
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 5209
Abstract
The intake of antioxidants in the diet is a useful parameter to estimate the potential of diet to prevent chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress and ageing. The objective was to estimate the intake of nutrient and non-nutrient antioxidants associated with the dietary [...] Read more.
The intake of antioxidants in the diet is a useful parameter to estimate the potential of diet to prevent chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress and ageing. The objective was to estimate the intake of nutrient and non-nutrient antioxidants associated with the dietary fiber matrix in a healthy and functionally independent population aged over 80, estimating the intake of antioxidant nutrients and including soluble low molecular weight and macromolecular polyphenols in the non-nutrient antioxidant group. Specific nutrients related to oxidative stress (copper, zinc, selenium, manganese, vitamins A, C and E) were ingested in optimal quantities according to reference values. Total intake of non-nutrient antioxidants was 2196 mg/person/day, and macromolecular polyphenols were found to be the main dietary antioxidants, contributing 71% to the total intake of phenolic compounds. The intake, metabolism and physiological effects of all nutrient and non-nutrient dietary antioxidants must therefore be taken into account when evaluating their health benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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15 pages, 487 KiB  
Communication
Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota in Renal Diets
by Carla Camerotto, Adamasco Cupisti, Claudia D’Alessandro, Fulvio Muzio and Maurizio Gallieni
Nutrients 2019, 11(9), 2149; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11092149 - 09 Sep 2019
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 11141
Abstract
Nutrition is crucial for the management of patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) to slow down disease progression and to correct symptoms. The mainstay of the nutritional approach to renal patients is protein restriction coupled with adequate energy supply to prevent malnutrition. [...] Read more.
Nutrition is crucial for the management of patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) to slow down disease progression and to correct symptoms. The mainstay of the nutritional approach to renal patients is protein restriction coupled with adequate energy supply to prevent malnutrition. However, other aspects of renal diets, including fiber content, can be beneficial. This paper summarizes the latest literature on the role of different types of dietary fiber in CKD, with special attention to gut microbiota and the potential protective role of renal diets. Fibers have been identified based on aqueous solubility, but other features, such as viscosity, fermentability, and bulking effect in the colon should be considered. A proper amount of fiber should be recommended not only in the general population but also in CKD patients, to achieve an adequate composition and metabolism of gut microbiota and to reduce the risks connected with obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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18 pages, 1815 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion and Colonic Fermentation of High Dietary Fiber and Antioxidant-Rich Mango (Mangifera indica L.) “Ataulfo”-Based Fruit Bars
by Luz M. Hernández-Maldonado, Francisco J. Blancas-Benítez, Victor M. Zamora-Gasga, Alicia P. Cárdenas-Castro, Juscelino Tovar and Sonia G. Sáyago-Ayerdi
Nutrients 2019, 11(7), 1564; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11071564 - 11 Jul 2019
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5332
Abstract
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical fruit which is considered to be a source of dietary fiber (DF) and phenolic compounds (PCs). In this study, high DF mango-based fruit bars were developed from whole mango (peel and pulp). The bars were [...] Read more.
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical fruit which is considered to be a source of dietary fiber (DF) and phenolic compounds (PCs). In this study, high DF mango-based fruit bars were developed from whole mango (peel and pulp). The bars were evaluated for their nutritional composition, the bioaccesibility of PCs during gastrointestinal digestion, and the PCs metabolites profile after in vitro colonic fermentation. The amount of DF in a 30 g portion of mango bars was 9.5 g, i.e., 35% of the recommended daily intake. Phenolic acids such as gallic acid; cinnamic acids, such as ferulic, coumaric, and caffeic acids; flavonoids such as quercertin; and xanthones such as mangiferin and mangiferin gallate, were identified as the main PCs in the bars. The antioxidant capacity associated with the PCs profile, together with the high DF content are indicative of the potential functional features of these natural fruit bars. The bioaccesibility of PCs in the mango bar was 53.78%. During fermentation, the PCs were bioconverted mainly to hydroxyphenolic acids and the main short-chain fatty acid produced was acetic acid. The xanthone norathyriol was identified after 12 h of fermentation. This study on the digestion and colonic fermentation of mango-based bars using in vitro models provides hints of the potential physiological behavior of PCs associated with DF, which constitutes relevant information for further development of natural and health-promoting fruit-based bars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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16 pages, 2906 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Pectin Supplementation on Intestinal Barrier Function in Healthy Young Adults and Healthy Elderly
by Ellen Wilms, Daisy M.A.E. Jonkers, Huub F.J. Savelkoul, Montserrat Elizalde, Lea Tischmann, Paul de Vos, Ad A.M. Masclee and Freddy J. Troost
Nutrients 2019, 11(7), 1554; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11071554 - 09 Jul 2019
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 6535
Abstract
Intestinal barrier function is suggested to decrease with aging and may be improved by pectin intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of four weeks pectin supplementation on gastrointestinal barrier function in vivo and ex vivo in different age [...] Read more.
Intestinal barrier function is suggested to decrease with aging and may be improved by pectin intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of four weeks pectin supplementation on gastrointestinal barrier function in vivo and ex vivo in different age groups. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study, 52 healthy young adults (18–40 years) and 48 healthy elderly (65–75 years) received 15 g/day pectin or placebo for four weeks. Pre- and post-intervention, in vivo gastrointestinal permeability by a multisugar test, and defense capacity in mucosal samples were assessed. Sigmoid biopsies were collected post-intervention from subgroups for Ussing chamber experiments and gene transcription of barrier-related genes. Pectin intervention did not affect in vivo gastroduodenal, small intestinal, colonic, and whole gut permeability in young adults nor in elderly (p ≥ 0.130). Salivary and fecal sIgA and serum IgA were not significantly different between pectin versus placebo in both age groups (p ≥ 0.128). In both young adults and elderly, no differences in transepithelial electrical resistance and fluorescein flux (p ≥ 0.164) and relative expression of genes analyzed (p ≥ 0.222) were found between pectin versus placebo. In conclusion, intestinal barrier function was not affected by four weeks pectin supplementation neither in healthy young adults nor in healthy elderly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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18 pages, 1913 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Interactions of Dietary Fibre Enriched Food Ingredients with Primary and Secondary Bile Acids
by Susanne Naumann, Ute Schweiggert-Weisz, Julia Eglmeier, Dirk Haller and Peter Eisner
Nutrients 2019, 11(6), 1424; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11061424 - 25 Jun 2019
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6929
Abstract
Dietary fibres are reported to interact with bile acids, preventing their reabsorption and promoting their excretion into the colon. We used a method based on in vitro digestion, dialysis, and kinetic analysis to investigate how dietary fibre enriched food ingredients affect the release [...] Read more.
Dietary fibres are reported to interact with bile acids, preventing their reabsorption and promoting their excretion into the colon. We used a method based on in vitro digestion, dialysis, and kinetic analysis to investigate how dietary fibre enriched food ingredients affect the release of primary and secondary bile acids as related to viscosity and adsorption. As the main bile acids abundant in humans interactions with glyco- and tauroconjugated cholic acid, chenodesoxycholic acid and desoxycholic acid were analysed. Viscous interactions were detected for apple, barley, citrus, lupin, pea, and potato derived ingredients, which slowed the bile acid release rate by up to 80%. Adsorptive interactions of up to 4.7 μmol/100 mg DM were significant in barley, oat, lupin, and maize preparations. As adsorption directly correlated to the hydrophobicity of the bile acids the hypothesis of a hydrophobic linkage between bile acids and dietary fibre is supported. Delayed diffusion in viscous fibre matrices was further associated with the micellar properties of the bile acids. As our results indicate changes in the bile acid pool size and composition due to interactions with dietary fibre rich ingredients, the presented method and results could add to recent fields of bile acid research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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17 pages, 2214 KiB  
Article
Dietary Fiber in Bilberry Ameliorates Pre-Obesity Events in Rats by Regulating Lipid Depot, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acid Formation and Microbiota Composition
by Hao-Yu Liu, Tomas B. Walden, Demin Cai, David Ahl, Stefan Bertilsson, Mia Phillipson, Margareta Nyman and Lena Holm
Nutrients 2019, 11(6), 1350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11061350 - 15 Jun 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5444
Abstract
Obesity is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk factors associated to metabolic syndrome. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) that contains easily fermentable fiber may strengthen the intestinal barrier function, attenuate inflammation and modulate gut microbiota composition, thereby prevent obesity development. In [...] Read more.
Obesity is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk factors associated to metabolic syndrome. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) that contains easily fermentable fiber may strengthen the intestinal barrier function, attenuate inflammation and modulate gut microbiota composition, thereby prevent obesity development. In the current study, liver lipid metabolism, fat depot, cecal and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gut microbiome were evaluated in rats fed bilberries in a high-fat (HFD + BB) or low-fat (LFD + BB) setting for 8 weeks and compared with diets containing equal amount of fiber resistant to fermentation (cellulose, HFD and LFD). HFD fed rats did not obtain an obese phenotype but underwent pre-obesity events including increased liver index, lipid accumulation and increased serum cholesterol levels. This was linked to shifts of cecal bacterial community and reduction of major SCFAs. Bilberry inclusion improved liver metabolism and serum lipid levels. Bilberry inclusion under either LFD or HFD, maintained microbiota homeostasis, stimulated interscapular-brown adipose tissue depot associated with increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein-1; enhanced SCFAs in the cecum and circulation; and promoted butyric acid and butyrate-producing bacteria. These findings suggest that bilberry may serve as a preventative dietary measure to optimize microbiome and associated lipid metabolism during or prior to HFD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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14 pages, 1791 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Degree of Polymerization of Fructans on Ex Vivo Fermented Human Gut Microbiome
by Erola Astó, Iago Méndez, Maria Rodríguez-Prado, Jordi Cuñé, Jordi Espadaler and Andreu Farran-Codina
Nutrients 2019, 11(6), 1293; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11061293 - 07 Jun 2019
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4629
Abstract
Prebiotic supplements are used to promote gastrointestinal health by stimulating beneficial bacteria. The aim of this study was to compare the potential prebiotic effects of fructans with increasing degrees of polymerization, namely fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulins with a low and high polymerization degree [...] Read more.
Prebiotic supplements are used to promote gastrointestinal health by stimulating beneficial bacteria. The aim of this study was to compare the potential prebiotic effects of fructans with increasing degrees of polymerization, namely fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulins with a low and high polymerization degree (LPDI and HPDI, respectively), using an ex vivo fermentation system to simulate the colonic environment. The system was inoculated with pooled feces from three healthy donors with the same baseline enterotype. Changes in microbiota composition were measured by 16S metagenomic sequencing after 2, 7, and 14 days of fermentation, and acid production was measured throughout the experiment. Alpha-diversity decreased upon inoculation of the ex vivo fermentation under all treatments. Composition changed significantly across both treatments and time (ANOSIM p < 0.005 for both factors). HPDI and LPDI seemed to be similar to each other regarding composition and acidification activity, but different from the control and FOS. FOS differed from the control in terms of composition but not acidification. HDPI restored alpha-diversity on day 14 as compared to the control (Bonferroni p < 0.05). In conclusion, the prebiotic activity of fructans appears to depend on the degree of polymerization, with LPDI and especially HPDI having a greater effect than FOS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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19 pages, 949 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Whole Grain Intake and Body Weight: Results of Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials
by Kevin C. Maki, Orsolya M. Palacios, Katie Koecher, Caleigh M. Sawicki, Kara A. Livingston, Marjorie Bell, Heather Nelson Cortes and Nicola M. McKeown
Nutrients 2019, 11(6), 1245; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11061245 - 31 May 2019
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 10785
Abstract
Results from some observational studies suggest that higher whole grain (WG) intake is associated with lower risk of weight gain. Ovid Medline was used to conduct a literature search for observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing WG food intake and weight [...] Read more.
Results from some observational studies suggest that higher whole grain (WG) intake is associated with lower risk of weight gain. Ovid Medline was used to conduct a literature search for observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing WG food intake and weight status in adults. A meta-regression analysis of cross-sectional data from 12 observational studies (136,834 subjects) and a meta-analysis of nine RCTs (973 subjects) was conducted; six prospective cohort publications were qualitatively reviewed. Cross-sectional data meta-regression results indicate a significant, inverse correlation between WG intake and body mass index (BMI): weighted slope, −0.0141 kg/m2 per g/day of WG intake (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.0207, −0.0077; r = −0.526, p = 0.0001). Prospective cohort results generally showed inverse associations between WG intake and weight change with typical follow-up periods of five to 20 years. RCT meta-analysis results show a nonsignificant pooled standardized effect size of −0.049 kg (95% CI −0.297, 0.199, p = 0.698) for mean difference in weight change (WG versus control interventions). Higher WG intake is significantly inversely associated with BMI in observational studies but not RCTs up to 16 weeks in length; RCTs with longer intervention periods are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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12 pages, 243 KiB  
Article
The Association between Whole Grain Products Consumption and Successful Aging: A Combined Analysis of MEDIS and ATTICA Epidemiological Studies
by Alexandra Foscolou, Nathan M. D’Cunha, Nenad Naumovski, Stefanos Tyrovolas, Christina Chrysohoou, Loukianos Rallidis, Antonia-Leda Matalas, Labros S. Sidossis and Demosthenes Panagiotakos
Nutrients 2019, 11(6), 1221; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11061221 - 29 May 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4732
Abstract
The quality of carbohydrates in the diet, including whole grains, matters greatly to health. There is emerging evidence supporting various protective effects from whole grain consumption against certain chronic diseases. However, being free of disease is not a requirement for healthy ageing, as [...] Read more.
The quality of carbohydrates in the diet, including whole grains, matters greatly to health. There is emerging evidence supporting various protective effects from whole grain consumption against certain chronic diseases. However, being free of disease is not a requirement for healthy ageing, as many older adults have one or more health conditions but, when well controlled, have little influence on their wellbeing. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between whole grain consumption on successful aging, through an analysis of a sample of n = 3349, over-50-years-old men and women participating in the ATTICA and MEDIS population-based cross-sectional studies. Successful aging was evaluated using the validated successful aging index (SAI, range 0–10) comprising of health-related social, lifestyle and clinical components. High whole grain intake was positively associated with SAI as compared with low (b ± SE: 0.278 ± 0.091, p = 0.002), whereas no significant associations were observed between moderate whole grain consumption and SAI (p > 0.05). Increased whole grain intake has been associated with several health benefits, and, as is shown here, with higher successful aging levels. Therefore, consumption of whole grains should be encouraged, especially by replacing refined grains, without increasing total energy intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
17 pages, 2349 KiB  
Article
Hepatoprotective Potential of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum against Acute Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Vitro and Vivo
by Chenxuan Wu, Jun Liu, Yanbin Tang, Yanxiao Li, Qiaojuan Yan and Zhengqiang Jiang
Nutrients 2019, 11(5), 963; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11050963 - 27 Apr 2019
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4610
Abstract
Natural polysaccharides, particularly galactomannans, are potential candidates for treatment of alcoholic liver diseases (ALD). However, applications are restricted due to the physicochemical properties associated with the high molecular weight. In this work, guar gum galactomannans were partially hydrolyzed by β-mannanase, and the molecular [...] Read more.
Natural polysaccharides, particularly galactomannans, are potential candidates for treatment of alcoholic liver diseases (ALD). However, applications are restricted due to the physicochemical properties associated with the high molecular weight. In this work, guar gum galactomannans were partially hydrolyzed by β-mannanase, and the molecular mechanisms of hepatoprotective effects were elucidated both in vitro and in vivo. Release of lactate dehydrogenase and cytochrome C were attenuated by partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) in HepG2 cells, due to protected cell and mitochondrial membrane integrity. PHGG co-administration decreased serum amino transaminases and cholinesterase levels of acute alcohol intoxicated mice, while hepatic pathologic morphology was depleted. Activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase was recovered to 198.2, 34.5, 236.0 U/mg protein, respectively, while malondialdehyde level was decreased by 76.3% (PHGG, 1000 mg/kg∙day). Co-administration of PHGG induced a 4.4-fold increment of p-AMPK expression, and lipid metabolism was mediated. PHGG alleviated toll-like-receptor-4-mediated inflammation via the signaling cascade of MyD88 and IκBα, decreasing cytokine production. Moreover, mediated expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was responsible for inhibited acute alcohol-induced apoptosis with suppressed cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP. Findings gained suggest that PHGG can be used as functional food supplement for the treatment of acute alcohol-induced liver injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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7 pages, 225 KiB  
Article
Short Chain Fatty Acid Production from Mycoprotein and Mycoprotein Fibre in an In Vitro Fermentation Model
by Hannah C. Harris, Christine A. Edwards and Douglas J. Morrison
Nutrients 2019, 11(4), 800; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11040800 - 08 Apr 2019
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5495
Abstract
Dietary mycoprotein (marketed as QuornTM) has many health benefits, including reductions in energy intake. The majority of studies evaluating mycoprotein focus on the protein content and very few consider the fibre content. Fibre consumption is also associated with decreased energy intake, [...] Read more.
Dietary mycoprotein (marketed as QuornTM) has many health benefits, including reductions in energy intake. The majority of studies evaluating mycoprotein focus on the protein content and very few consider the fibre content. Fibre consumption is also associated with decreased energy intake, which is partly attributed to short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from fibre fermentation by colonic bacteria. To study the SCFA-producing capability of mycoprotein, in vitro batch fermentations were conducted, and SCFA production compared with that from extracted mycoprotein fibre, oligofructose (OF), rhamnose, and laminarin. Mycoprotein and mycoprotein fibre were both fermentable, resulting in a total SCFA production of 24.9 (1.7) and 61.2 (15.7) mmol/L, respectively. OF led to a significantly higher proportion of acetate compared to all other substrates tested (92.6 (2.8)%, p < 0.01). Rhamnose generated the highest proportion of propionate (45.3 (2.0)%, p < 0.01), although mycoprotein and mycoprotein fibre yielded a higher proportion of propionate compared with OF and laminarin. Butyrate proportion was the highest with laminarin (28.0 (10.0)% although mycoprotein fibre led to a significantly higher proportion than OF (p < 0.01). Mycoprotein is a valuable source of dietary protein, but its fibre content is also of interest. Further evaluation of the potential roles of the fibre content of mycoprotein is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
21 pages, 2123 KiB  
Article
Effect of Wheat Bran on Fecal Butyrate-Producing Bacteria and Wheat Bran Combined with Barley on Bacteroides Abundance in Japanese Healthy Adults
by Seiichiro Aoe, Fumiko Nakamura and Suguru Fujiwara
Nutrients 2018, 10(12), 1980; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu10121980 - 14 Dec 2018
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6569
Abstract
Wheat bran (WB) is rich in insoluble arabinoxylan, while BARLEYmax (BM) is a barley line that is rich in fructan, resistant starch, and β-glucan. In the present study, we investigated which of these two fiber sources would produce more favorable changes in the [...] Read more.
Wheat bran (WB) is rich in insoluble arabinoxylan, while BARLEYmax (BM) is a barley line that is rich in fructan, resistant starch, and β-glucan. In the present study, we investigated which of these two fiber sources would produce more favorable changes in the fecal variables of healthy subjects. Sixty healthy subjects were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15 per group) and fed twice daily for 4 weeks with baked cereal bars containing neither WB nor BM (WB−BM−), WB without BM (WB+BM−), BM without WB (WB−BM+), or WB and BM (WB+BM+). At baseline and after 4 weeks, the fecal microbiota composition and the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were measured. A significant interactive effect of WB and BM on the abundance of genus Bacteroides was observed at week 4. The abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and the fecal concentration of n-butyrate were significantly higher in the WB+ groups than in the WB− groups. In conclusion, WB was associated with elevated fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids including butyrate owing to an increase in the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. Additionally, the combination of WB and BM was associated with an increase in the abundance of genus Bacteroides. Therefore, both WB alone and WB combined with BM favorably influenced the fecal variables of healthy subjects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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Review

Jump to: Research

32 pages, 770 KiB  
Review
The Short-Chain Fatty Acid Acetate in Body Weight Control and Insulin Sensitivity
by Manuel A. González Hernández, Emanuel E. Canfora, Johan W.E. Jocken and Ellen E. Blaak
Nutrients 2019, 11(8), 1943; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11081943 - 18 Aug 2019
Cited by 313 | Viewed by 25300
Abstract
The interplay of gut microbiota, host metabolism, and metabolic health has gained increased attention. Gut microbiota may play a regulatory role in gastrointestinal health, substrate metabolism, and peripheral tissues including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, liver, and pancreas via its metabolites short-chain fatty acids [...] Read more.
The interplay of gut microbiota, host metabolism, and metabolic health has gained increased attention. Gut microbiota may play a regulatory role in gastrointestinal health, substrate metabolism, and peripheral tissues including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, liver, and pancreas via its metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Animal and human data demonstrated that, in particular, acetate beneficially affects host energy and substrate metabolism via secretion of the gut hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY, which, thereby, affects appetite, via a reduction in whole-body lipolysis, systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and via an increase in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Thus, potential therapies to increase gut microbial fermentation and acetate production have been under vigorous scientific scrutiny. In this review, the relevance of the colonically and systemically most abundant SCFA acetate and its effects on the previously mentioned tissues will be discussed in relation to body weight control and glucose homeostasis. We discuss in detail the differential effects of oral acetate administration (vinegar intake), colonic acetate infusions, acetogenic fiber, and acetogenic probiotic administrations as approaches to combat obesity and comorbidities. Notably, human data are scarce, which highlights the necessity for further human research to investigate acetate’s role in host physiology, metabolic, and cardiovascular health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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26 pages, 4643 KiB  
Review
Metabolic Effects of Resistant Starch Type 2: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Matthew Snelson, Jessica Jong, Deanna Manolas, Smonda Kok, Audrey Louise, Romi Stern and Nicole J. Kellow
Nutrients 2019, 11(8), 1833; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11081833 - 08 Aug 2019
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 8699
Abstract
Published evidence exploring the effects of dietary resistant starch (RS) on human cardiometabolic health is inconsistent. This review aimed to investigate the effect of dietary RS type 2 (RS2) supplementation on body weight, satiety ratings, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance [...] Read more.
Published evidence exploring the effects of dietary resistant starch (RS) on human cardiometabolic health is inconsistent. This review aimed to investigate the effect of dietary RS type 2 (RS2) supplementation on body weight, satiety ratings, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance and lipid levels in healthy individuals and those with overweight/obesity, the metabolic syndrome (MetS), prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between 1982 and 2018, with trials eligible for inclusion if they reported RCTs involving humans where at least one group consumed ≥ 8 g of RS2 per day and measured body weight, satiety, glucose and/or lipid metabolic outcomes. Twenty-two RCTs involving 670 participants were included. Meta-analyses indicated that RS2 supplementation significantly reduced serum triacylglycerol concentrations (mean difference (MD) = −0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI −0.19, −0.01, P = 0.03) in healthy individuals (n = 269) and reduced body weight (MD = −1.29 kg; 95% CI −2.40, −0.17, P = 0.02) in people with T2DM (n = 90). However, these outcomes were heavily influenced by positive results from a small number of individual studies which contradicted the conclusions of the majority of trials. RS2 had no effects on any other metabolic outcomes. All studies ranged from 1–12 weeks in duration and contained small sample sizes (10–60 participants), and most had an unclear risk of bias. Short-term RS2 supplementation in humans is of limited cardiometabolic benefit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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14 pages, 771 KiB  
Review
Cereal B-Glucans: The Impact of Processing and How It Affects Physiological Responses
by Muriel Henrion, Célia Francey, Kim-Anne Lê and Lisa Lamothe
Nutrients 2019, 11(8), 1729; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11081729 - 26 Jul 2019
Cited by 106 | Viewed by 8556
Abstract
Cereal β-glucans are dietary fibres primarily found in oats and barley, and have several positive effects on health, including lowering the postprandial glucose response and the improvement of blood cholesterol levels. Cereal β-glucans have a specific combination of β-(1→4) and β-(1→3) linkages into [...] Read more.
Cereal β-glucans are dietary fibres primarily found in oats and barley, and have several positive effects on health, including lowering the postprandial glucose response and the improvement of blood cholesterol levels. Cereal β-glucans have a specific combination of β-(1→4) and β-(1→3) linkages into linear long-chain polysaccharides of high molecular weight. Due to their particular structure, cereal β-glucans generate viscosity within the intestinal tract, which is thought to be the main mechanism of action responsible for their positive health effects. However, cereal grains are rarely consumed raw; at least one cooking step is generally required before they can be safely eaten. Cooking and processing methods more generally will modify the physicochemical characteristics of β-glucans, such as molecular weight, extractability and the resulting viscosity. Therefore, the health impact of β-glucans will depend not only on the dose administered, but also on the ways they are processed or converted into food products. This review aims at summarizing the different parameters that can affect β-glucans efficacy to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Human Health)
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