The October issue of Living Well magazine featured an article on AIM’s fiber supplements, delving into their notable benefits and differences. Digging even deeper into the types of fiber in Fit ’n Fiber brings up a number of questions, some of which are answered on this page.
What determines the acacia, guar gum and konjac in Fit ’n Fiber to be sources of prebiotic fiber?
Even though all prebiotics are sourced from fiber, not all types are prebiotic, which must be resistant to gastric acids and enzymatic hydrolysis that break down the nutritional components of your food intake. Acacia, guar gum and konjac are types of prebiotic, soluble fiber because each dissolves easily in fluids as they travel through the intestinal tract, becoming gel-like substances in the colon, where they can be fermented by good bacteria. This action gives these beneficial microorganisms a food source that allows them to grow in numbers and shape the makeup of beneficial bacterial species that protect your health.
What are some of the health benefits of prebiotic fiber?
The presence of prebiotic fiber in your dietary intake increases the number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, good species that populate your microbiome. Along with improving gut barrier functions and immune system defense, the bacterial fermentation of prebiotic fiber produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate.
What’s the importance of short-chain fatty acids produced from fermented prebiotic fiber?
Along with being a nutrient source for your body, short-chain fatty acids support gut environment, pH balance, mineral absorption and glucose regulation. Current research suggests that short-chain fatty acids may play an important role in gut-brain communication and act as regulators in the metabolism and function of skeletal muscle, the largest organ in your body, affecting posture, movement and breathing.
is Fit ’n Fiber suitable for weight management?
Weight gain can be thought of as a result of energy imbalance. When you take in more calories (energy from food and drinks) than your body burns through metabolism, you gain weight. Drinking beverages made with Fit ’n Fiber fills you up with low-calorie fiber that helps you feel satiated and eat less.
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