Fiber

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Sources of fiber

Fiber

Alternative Names:

Diet - fiber; Roughage; Bulk
Side Effects:

Eating a large amount of fiber in a short period of time can cause intestinal gas (flatulence ), bloating, and abdominal cramps. Thisusually goes awayonce the natural bacteria in the digestive system get used to the increase in fiber in the diet. Adding fiber gradually to the diet, instead of all at one time, can help reduce gas or diarrhea.

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Too much fiber may interfere with the absorption ofmineralssuch asiron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium. However, this effect usually does not cause too much concern because high-fiber foods aretypically rich in minerals.

References:

MarlettJA, McBurneyMI, SlavinJL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102(7): 993-1000.

Howarth NC, Huang TT, Roberts SB, McCrory MA. Dietary Fiber and Fat Are Associated with Excess Weight in Young and Middle-Aged US Adults. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105(9):1365-72.

Seki T, Nagase R, Torimitsu M, et al. Insoluble fiber is a major constituent responsible for lowering the post-prandial blood glucose concentration in the pre-germinated brown rice. Biol PharmBull. 2005 Aug;28(8):1539-41.