Dive Brief:
- Researchers at the University of Illinois found through studies conducted with mice that fiber can have a beneficial effect on gut and brain health, according to NutritionInsight. The research was published Aug. 14 in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.
- Dietary fiber promotes the growth of good gut bacteria. When these bacteria digest fiber, the result is short-chain fatty acids, including the byproduct butyrate. The study showed butyrate inhibits production of damaging chemicals that inflamed immune cells in old mice's brains.
- After feeding high- and low-fiber diets to young and old mice, the researchers measured butyrate and other fatty acids in their blood, and inflammatory chemicals in their intestines. "The high-fiber diet elevated butyrate and other [short-chain fatty acids] in the blood both for young and old mice. But only the old mice showed intestinal inflammation on the low-fiber diet,” researcher Rodney Johnson of the university's department of animal sciences said. "It's interesting that young adults didn't have that inflammatory response on the same diet. It clearly highlights the vulnerability of being old."
Dive Insight:
Health-conscious consumers are interested in the benefits of dietary fiber, so research indicating it can help mitigate inflammation is welcome news. Dietary fiber has also been shown to lower the risk of depressive symptoms, balance blood sugar levels, help with digestion, lower cholesterol and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers, according to research.
But consumers aren't as likely to experience these benefits unless they're getting a sufficient amount of fiber in their diets. The minimum daily recommended amount is 28 grams, yet the average American only gets half that — about 15 grams a day.
Because of the perceived value-add, fiber is now added to all types of different foods, including Activia yogurt and Fiber One ice cream. It's even showing up in beverages as consumers look for healthier choices. Although consumers may believe these items are healthier due to the fiber content, that might not be the case. A Fiber One brownie contains five grams of fiber and 90 calories, while a small bag of Smart Sweets gummy bears has 90 calories and 28 grams of fiber, according to the Associated Press.
To keep consumers from being confused, manufacturers may need to explain what type of fiber they're using in products. They should also talk about what beneficial health impacts they may have compared to natural fiber found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables — all sources recommended by nutritionists. Manufacturers also should be careful not to market what may really be indulgent products as healthier because of added fiber content. No company wants to be sued for false label claims.
It's probably too early for makers of fiber-rich products to add a labeling claim stemming from this research. Researchers didn't look at the impact of diet on behavior and cognition, or on functions associated with the gut-brain axis. But NutritionInsight noted the university plans to work on that with a grant from the U.S. National Institute on Aging.