Fiber

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Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Sources of fiber

Overview

Food Sources

Recommendations

Side Effects

Fiber

Alternative Names:

Diet - fiber; Roughage; Bulk

Side Effects:

Eating a large amount of fiber in a short period of time can cause intestinal gas (flatulence ), bloating, and abdominal cramps. This usually goes away once the natural bacteria in the digestive system get used to the increase in fiber in the diet. Adding fiber gradually to the diet, instead of all at one time, can help reduce gas or diarrhea.

Too much fiber may interfere with the absorption of minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium. However, this effect usually does not cause too much concern because high-fiber foods are typically rich in minerals.

References:

Marlett JA, McBurney MI, Slavin JL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002; 102(7): 993-1000.

Howarth NC, Huang TT, Roberts SB, McCrory MA. Dietary Fiber and Fat Are Associated with Excess Weight in Young and Middle-Aged US Adults. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105(9):1365-72.

Seki T, Nagase R, Torimitsu M, et al. Insoluble fiber is a major constituent responsible for lowering the post-prandial blood glucose concentration in the pre-germinated brown rice. Biol PharmBull. 2005 Aug;28(8):1539-41.

Review Date: 9/2/2005
Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Director ICU Quality Improvement, Critical Care Division, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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