ABSTRACT

The role of dietary fiber (DF) in the prevention and treatment of constipation has been recognized for a century, but dietary fiber is now considered as an important nutrient in reducing the risk of Western diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Data exists to relate dietary fiber intake to certain diseases. However, lack of agreement on what dietary fiber is and how it should be measured often makes data interpretation difficult. In 1972-1976, dietary fiber was defined as the remnants of plant components that are resistant to hydrolysis by human alimentary enzymes. Most dietary fiber intake databases have been devel-oped based on analytical values to meet this definition. Recently, the scientific community has supported the expansion of the definition to include resistant oligosaccharides and resistant starch in addition to non-starch polysaccharides and lignin. Except for special products, this new definition would not affect dietary fiber values in most food tables in the next decade. Typical recommendations in various countries are set at 20-30 grams of dietary fiber daily. Despite the enormous amount of scientific literature on the benefits of dietary fiber and dietary guidelines, dietary fiber intakes of the general public are well below the recommended levels. For example, the recommended DF intake in the United States is 20-30 g/day while actual consumption ranges from 11-13 g daily. In Arabic countries, dietary fiber intake levels have decreased significantly over the past decades as whole grains are replaced with refined grain flours. Special nutrition education

may be required to improve public health related to optimum consumption of fiber-rich foods. Whole grain or bran-enriched food products should be promoted in such nutritional education programs.