ABSTRACT
Dietary fiber is considered to be an important component of a nu tritionally balanced diet. Epidemiologic, clinical, and animal study results suggest that fiber may have a significant role to play in an overall dietary plan designed to reduce the risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease and colon cancer. The mechanisms by which fiber may impact chronic disease have not been well defined; as a result, specific recommendations regarding appropriate levels in the diet would seem to be premature at this point.
