Non-digestible carbohydrate

The results of many studies (Perin et al, 2000 Schrezenmeir and de Vrese, 2001 Shin et al, 2000 Gmeiner et al, 2000) point to a synergistic effect of probiotic and prebiotic combinations on the faecal microbiota of experimental animals. This effect was demonstrated by increased total anaerobes, aerobes, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria counts as well as by decreased Clostridia, Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli counts. The combination of probiotics and non-digestible carbohydrates may be a way of stabilisation and/or improvement of the probiotic effect. 

Wheat grain, legumes Colon cancer Contains digestion-resistant starch and other non-digestible carbohydrates which increase fermentation in colon and hence production of volatile fatty acids... 

However, excessive consumption of non-digestible carbohydrates, such as polydextrose, can lead to gastrointestinal distress. After evaluating a series of clinical studies, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Commission Scientific Committee for Eood (EC/ SCF) concluded that polydextrose was better tolerated than other digestible carbohydrates such as polyols. The committee concluded that polydextrose has a mean laxative threshold of approximately 90 g/day (1.3 g/kg body-weight) or 50 g as a single dose. See also Section 18. 

Lan, Y. B.A. Williams S. Tamminga H. Boer A. Akkermans G. Erdi M.W.A. Verstegen. In vitro fermentation kinetics of some non-digestible carbohydrates by the caecal microbial community of broilers. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 2005, 123-124, 687-702. 

Vos AP, M rabet L, Stahl B, Boehm G, Garssen J. Immnne modulatory effects and potential working mechanisms of orally apphed non-digestible carbohydrates. Critical reviews. Immunology 2007 207 97-190. 

Greger JL (1999) Non-digestible carbohydrates and mineral bioavailability. Journal of Nutrition 129(supplement S) 1434S-1435S. 

Dietary fibre, which comprises all the non-digestible structural carbohydrates of plant cell walls and any associate lignin, provides a further example of a complex food-borne factor which cannot be classified as a nutrient, and which continues to generate debate over such issues as definition and analytical techniques. However, whatever the unresolved complexities, dietary fibre has a lengthy history and had proved itself eminently suitable as a component of functional food products long before the term was even coined. 

Murphy O. Non-polyol low-digestible carbohydrates food applications and functional benefits. Br ] Nutr 2001 85 (Suppl. 1) S47-S53. 

Miglitol is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that inhibits intestinal enzymes that digest carbohydrates, thereby reducing carbohydrate digestion after meals, which lowers postprandial glucose elevation in diabetics. It is used in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who have failed dietary therapy. It may be used alone or in combination with sulfonylureas. 

Dietary fiber, a group of non-starch carbohydrates basically of plant origin found in various vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and root crops, is an essential part of a healthy diet. Since the dietary fiber is not digested by... 

That the analysis and labelling of dietary carbohydrates, for whatever purpose, be based on the chemical divisions recommended. Additional groupings such as polyols, resistant starch, non-digestible ohgosaccharides and dietary fibre can be used, provided the included components are clearly defined. 

Simpson, H. C. R., Carter, R. D., Lousley, S., and Mann, J. I., 1982, Digestible carbohydrate—An independent effect on diabetic control in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients Diabetologia 23 235. 

In human nutrition, nutrients are often inaccurately classified in a way that reflects the amount that the body requires. These nutrient classes can be categorised as either macronutrients (required in relatively large amounts) or micronutrients (required in smaller amounts). The macronutrients include proteins, fats, carbohydrates and water the micronutrients are minerals and vitamins. A third class of dietary material, known as fibre (such as non-digestible polysaccharide cellulose), is also necessary, for both mechanical and biochemical reasons. Other micronutrients include antioxidants and various phytochemicals, which are said to influence or protect some body systems. Their necessity is not well estabhshed. 

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