Benefits of dietary fibre for children in health and disease

Abstract

Fibre is an essential nutrient in the human diet that is crucial for human health. It provides a range of functional benefits, including stool bulking, and physiological benefits through fermentation of diverse fibre types by the gut microbiome including cholesterol lowering, glycaemic control and weight control. The by-products of the fermentation of fibre in the gut confer health benefits that extend beyond the gut to the immune system and organs such as the liver, kidneys and the brain. A lack of fibre in the diet has been associated with several disorders in children including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and immune-related disorders. In paediatric practice, concerns exist over tolerance of dietary fibre which may lead to unnecessary restrictions, especially for children receiving nutritional support. One reason for this may be the terminology which has historically been used. Fibre is often described in terms of its physico-chemical properties (solubility, viscosity), rather than its physiological effects/functionality (fermentability, bulking effects). To describe fibre in these latter terms represents more clearly the important role it plays. Most international guidelines recommend a daily quantity of fibre, failing to mention the quality aspect of the fibre required for health. Here we consider the evidence base for the current recommendations for daily fibre intakes for healthy children, those requiring nutritional support and those with functional gastrointestinal disorders. We also consider the importance of the gut microbiome and the role of fibre in maintaining gut microbial health and its role in health beyond the gut.

Designing sustainable weaning foods for developing countries: not only a matter of nutrients

“…31 However, for infants aged 12 months and older, the RNI daily target range of 10–15 g per 100 g (ref. 32) is not exceeded by three times a day consumption.…”

Evaluation of Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Status in 1–9-Year-Old Children Living in Serbia: National Food Consumption Survey according to the EU Menu Methodology

“…The most common effect associated with a sufficient fiber intake is the improvement of the digestive process and overall gastrointestinal health, including laxation. Nonetheless, fiber benefits extend beyond the gut function, and include cholesterol reduction, glycemic control, the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and weight management, as well as supporting the immune system and proper cognition in children [ 45 , 46 , 47 ]. The majority of official guidelines propose recommendations only in terms of quantity, neglecting to address the relevant physico-chemical properties, fermentability, bulking, and dietary sources.…”

Fibre intake for optimal health: how can healthcare professionals support people to reach dietary recommendations?

“…People in both situations are likely to fall short of meeting fibre recommendations. Examples of food sources of dietary fibre 19 can help health professionals guide patients on selecting nutritious, carbohydrate based foods with a diversity of dietary fibre types. Advice should emphasise consuming adequate amounts of dietary fibre from various plant foods that are naturally high in fibre ( box 3 ).…”