A recent study conducted by scientists from the Stanford School of Medicine examined the health effects of dietary fiber supplementation and found that the benefits of dietary fiber can vary significantly among individuals.
The study emphasizes that the type of fiber, the dose consumed, and individual factors play a crucial role in determining the physiological, microbial, and molecular effects of dietary fiber.
The study focused on the impact of two common and structurally distinct soluble fibers: arabinoxylan (AX), found in whole grains, and long-chain inulin (LCI), found in onions, chicory root, and Jerusalem artichokes. The key findings include:
- Fiber Type Matters: AX in whole grains was associated with a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (commonly known as “bad” cholesterol) and an increase in bile acids. However, individual responses to AX varied, with some participants showing little to no change in cholesterol levels.
- Dose-Dependent Responses: The effects of fiber were often dose-dependent. Participants consumed 10 grams of fiber per day during the first week, 20 grams per day during the second week, and 30 grams per day during the third week. Higher doses sometimes led to different responses, both positive and potentially negative.
- Individual Variation: Responses to fiber supplementation varied widely among participants, highlighting the personalized nature of these effects. Some individuals experienced beneficial outcomes, while others showed little response or potential adverse effects.
- Specific Fiber Effects: LCI in onions was linked to a modest decrease in inflammation markers and an increase in the abundance of Bifidobacterium, a beneficial gut microbe. However, at the highest dose, LCI was associated with increased inflammation and liver enzyme levels, suggesting potential harm at excessive intake.
The study underscores the complex and variable nature of the health benefits of dietary fiber. The type of fiber, the amount consumed, and individual characteristics all contribute to the diverse responses observed.
These findings have important implications for personalized nutrition and interventions, highlighting the need to consider individual factors when recommending dietary fiber for health benefits.
The study emphasizes that dietary fiber’s effects on health are not uniform and depend on multiple factors.
To optimize the benefits of dietary fiber, healthcare professionals and individuals should consider fiber type, dose, and individual responses, recognizing that what works well for one person may not have the same effects on another.
Source: Cell Host & Microbe, “Fiber Type, Dose, and Outcome: The Interplay Between Fiber Type and Dose on Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Diverse Physiological, Microbial, and Molecular Responses” by Michael Snyder et al.
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