Answer:
Yes. Fiber-free formulas can contribute to gut mucosal atrophy, especially in the distal portion of the small bowel, and in the colon. Atrophy can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and lack of nutrient absorption. There are many other causes of diarrhea, including antibiotics or other medications, Clostridium difficile, food intolerance, or simple interference with [...]
Archive for the 'Fiber' Category
Question: Does fiber help reduce diarrhea in enteral feedings?
Sunday, October 28th, 2007Posted in Fiber | No Comments »
Question: Does a high fiber diet affect nutrient absorption?
Sunday, October 28th, 2007Answer:
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 adapts to the continued [...]
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Question: What are the usual food sources of dietary fiber?
Saturday, October 27th, 2007Answer:
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
4.8
Legumes
Kidney beans
Navy beans
1 cup, cooked
1 cup, cooked
3.2
3.3
Bread and Cereals
White bread
Whole wheat bread
Brown rice
Popcorn
Bran flakes
Shredder wheat
1 slice
1 slice
1 cup
2 cups
1 cup
1 cup
0.4
1.5
2.0
1.4
5.0
3.9
Nuts and seeds
Almonds
Peanuts
10 nuts
10 nuts
1.9
2.2
Pennington, Bowes and Church, 16th ed., 1994
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Question: What is the recommended daily fiber intake?
Saturday, October 27th, 2007Answer:
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
of age by the addition of 9.1 [...]
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Question: How does the colon digest fiber?
Saturday, October 27th, 2007Answer:
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 gradually, [...]
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Question: What is Fiber?
Saturday, October 27th, 2007Answer:
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 remaining [...]
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