Answer: Not generally. There has been concern that some dietary fiber contains phytate (inositol hexaphosphate) that may form insoluble compounds with vital minerals oxalates may interfere with the absorption of iron But it is unlikely that a nutrient deficiency would occur from a high-fiber diet if an adequate, balanced diet is consumed. The human body [...]

Answer: Food Portion Fiber Content (GRAMS) Fruits Banana Pear with skin Prunes Raisins 1 medium 1 medium 5 dried prunes 1 cup 2.7 4.0 3.0 2.0 Vegetables Broccoli Corn Green beans Lettuce Peas Potato 1 cup, cooked 1 cup, cooked 1 cup, cooked 1 cup 1 cup, cooked 1 medium 2.3 2.0 2.2 1.0 2.2 [...]

Answer: Infants: The amount recommended is controversial. On one hand, fiber is not recommended in large amounts (foods containing 3+ grams per serving), because of the need for a high-calorie, nutrient-dense diet for adequate intake and growth. However, a recent study by Ross Laboratories suggested that caloric intake was not compromised in infants 6-20 weeks [...]

Answer: Soluble fiber is still undigested when it reaches the colon. It is attacked by bacteria that ferment the polysaccharides to produce gases (carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, and volatile fatty acids). Unfortunately, gas production is a byproduct of a  higher fiber diet. The good news is it can be minimized if fiber intake is increased [...]

Answer: Fiber is material from plant cell walls that is resistant to digestion by enzymes of the human small intestine. Fiber is often classified according to its solubility in water. Water-soluble fibers (pectin, gums, mucilages, and some hemicelluloses) tend to be efficiently broken down by bacteria in the colon. Water-insoluble fibers (lignin, cellulose, and the [...]

Answer: One must first determine whether omega-3 fatty acids are being taken in order to lower triglycerides or simply to help prevent heart disease. If the intent is to lower triglycerides, 3-4 grams per day of n-3 fatty acids are required. This would require the patient to eat over 4 pounds of a low-fat fish [...]

Answer: All of the preceding effects of omega-3 fatty acids are seen on blood vessels, including the coronary vessels which feed the heart. But n-3 fatty acids, incorporated into the heart itself, may help keep the muscle from dying when its blood supply is cut off during a heart attack. This is an active field [...]