Dietary fiber particle size

Additional experiments are needed to relate not only the monosaccharide composition of the fibers fed to fecal output but also the structures of those fibers and how they may have been modified In the digestive tract even If not fermented. The effect of fiber particle size and pretreatment should be studied. Free sugar, starch, cellulose and uronlc acid measurements should be made in order to obtain a more complete picture of what survives and what is metabolized. The effect of dietary fibers on the digestion and utilization of other polysaccharides and other food components should be studied. This Information, together with fermentation data. Including gas and VFA production, will provide a better understanding of the role and value of different dietary fibers and their effects on nutrient bloavallablllty. 

Rhagavendra, S. N., Rastogi, N. K., Raghavarao, K. S. M. S. Tharanathan R. N. (2004). Dietary fiber from coconut residue effects of different treatments and particle size on the hydration properties. European Food Research and Technology, 218, 563-567. 

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