Reference Number: 391
Year: 2009
Link: Link to original paper
Health: Heart Disease
Nutrition: Fibre | Prebiotic | Wheat dextrin
Summary
Dietary fiber is widely recognized to have a beneficial role in overall health, but only at adequate levels (25 – 38 g/day for healthy adults). Wheat dextrin in particular is a soluble fiber that can easily be added to the diet and is widely used in the food industry. There is some debate about whether increased intake of soluble fibers leads to health benefits. This paper reviews the evidence regarding the physiological effects and potential health benefits of the addition of soluble dietary fibers, with specific reference to wheat dextrin, based on a search of PubMed. The evidence suggests that soluble fibers help to regulate the digestive system, may increase micronutrient absorption, stabilize blood glucose and lower serum lipids, may prevent several gastrointestinal disorders, and have an accepted role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. It is concluded that supplementation with soluble fibers (e.g. wheat dextrin) may be useful in individuals at risk of a lower than recommended dietary fiber intake.
What does this mean for a Baker?
Although this study has no direct application to baking, it is a very important study which offers an insight into the beneficial effects that soluble fibers, such as Wheat Dextrin, have on our digestive system and how they can have a positive impact on our overall health too.