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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Nutrition Reviewsarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Nutrition Reviews
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: OUP Standard Publication Reuse
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Biomarkers of Total Dietary Fiber Intake: A Challenge to Meet

Authors: Fausta Natella; Chiara Devirgiliis; Marianna Roselli; Stefania Sette; Cristian Del Bo’; Iolanda Cioffi; Angela Polito; +1 Authors

Biomarkers of Total Dietary Fiber Intake: A Challenge to Meet

Abstract

Abstract Dietary fiber is considered an important health-promoting food component; however, to better characterize associations between fiber consumption and health outcomes, it is important to identify reliable biomarkers of intake. Dietary fiber includes all nondigestible carbohydrates that are characterized by different chemical structures, yet have a common resistance to digestion and absorption in the intestine, where they act as substrates for the resident microbiota. Considering the structural complexity and diversity of fiber, its physico-chemical properties, the abundance of fiber-rich foods, and the complexity of the gut microbiota, the identification of biomarkers of fiber intake is quite challenging. To this aim, a narrative review was performed to define the critical issues for fiber biomarker identification and then to analyze and validate putative biomarkers of total fiber intake. On the basis of the common properties of the different types of fiber, we have identified the following as possible candidate biomarkers: fecal fiber components; stool weight; fecal microbiota composition; microbiota metabolites, such as fecal and plasma short-chain fatty acids and plasma odd-chain fatty acids; and breath hydrogen and methane. The scientific evidence to support their role as biomarkers of intake was evaluated by applying the validation criteria developed by the FoodBAll Consortium. We also explored whether a combination of validated biomarkers of food intake relative to the main dietary fiber sources could be considered to develop a score-like evaluation of fiber consumption in dietary patterns. What emerged from our analysis was that the complexity of the relationship between diet, fiber composition, and microbiota, as well as the limited and fragmented scientific evidence currently hamper the identification of robust biomarkers of fiber intake. Indeed, none of the potential biomarkers considered in our analysis completely fulfilled all of the validation criteria; however, microbiota composition and breath hydrogen appeared to be the most promising candidates.

Keywords

Dietary Fiber, Feces, Humans, Fatty Acids, Volatile, Biomarkers, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Diet

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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