Dietary Fibre: Supporting Gut Health

In 2024, Narskuttelu Oy was awarded by Business Joensuu (the Liiketoimintaa Kiteelle) for the development of xylitol products aimed at supporting gut health. A significant portion of the population suffers from digestive issues, with 8-26% of healthy adults experiencing recurring problems. For many, these issues are linked to insufficient dietary fibre intake. Product development is ongoing, and our goal is to launch a xylitol-based dietary fibre supplement by 2025. One of the most effective ways to maintain gut and digestive health is through adequate dietary fiber intake.

What is Dietary Fibre?

Dietary fibres are essential components of a balanced and varied diet. They are plant-derived carbohydrates or similar substances that our bodies cannot digest or absorb, but they play a significant role in digestion and overall health. Dietary fibre is divided into two main types: soluble and insoluble, each offering different health benefits.

Soluble Fibre

Soluble fibre absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines. This process slows down nutrient absorption, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and control cholesterol. Some good sources of soluble fiber include:

Oats (oat bran, oatmeal)
Legumes (lentils, beans, peas)
Fruits and berries (apples, pears, citrus fruits)
Psyllium husk

Insoluble Fibre

Insoluble fibre does not dissolve or form a gel-like mass but adds bulk to stool and accelerates bowel movement. This helps prevent constipation and supports overall gut health. Some good sources of insoluble fiber include:

Whole grains (rye, wheat, barley)
Nuts and seeds
Vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, leafy greens)
Wheat and oat bran

Sources of Fibre in the Diet

Dietary fibre can be found abundantly in natural plant-based products. Some fiber-rich foods include:

Whole grains: Whole-grain bread, oatmeal, rye bread, and bran are excellent fibre sources.
Nuts and seeds: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and almonds are rich in fibre and healthy fats.
Vegetables and roots: Particularly carrots, turnips, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and cabbage are great fiber sources.
Fruits and berries: Apples, pears, raspberries, and blueberries contain both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Legumes: Lentils, beans, and chickpeas are high in fiber and provide a good protein source.

Dietary Fibre Supplements and Their Benefits

While a varied diet can provide fiber, some individuals may need extra fiber to support gut function. In these cases, fiber supplements like:

Psyllium husk: Supports bowel movements and blood sugar control.
Inulin: A prebiotic fiber that helps promote healthy gut bacteria.
Oat and wheat bran: An excellent choice for boosting daily fiber intake.

EU Health Claims and Dietary Fibre

According to the European Union, food products can include certain health claims if they meet specific criteria (EFSA, 2024):

"Source of fibre": The product contains at least 3g of fiber per 100g or 1.5g of fiber per 100 kcal.
"High-fibre": The product contains at least 6g of fiber per 100g or 3g of fibre per 100 kcal.

These guidelines help consumers identify products that support a healthy diet. Many fiber supplements also carry additional health claims, such as supporting cholesterol balance, stool formation, and blood sugar regulation.

Xylitol and Dietary Fibre

Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, is a natural sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. While xylitol itself is not fiber, it is often included in fiber-rich products because it does not cause significant spikes in blood sugar levels and has positive effects on oral health. Xylitol-based products may also contain added fibre, such as inulin or oat bran, which help support both gut health and a low glycemic

A xylitol-sweetened dietary fiber supplement — A xylitol-sweetened dietary fibre supplement will be available for sale soon.

Summary

Dietary fibre is a crucial part of a healthy diet, and it is important to ensure sufficient intake by consuming a variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. If daily fiber intake is insufficient, fibre supplements can be an effective solution to support gut health.

Explore our selection and find the dietary fiber products that best support your health and well-being!

Sources

EFSA, European Food Safety Authority (2024) Food and Feed Information Portal Database. Health claims, website: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register (accessed April 20, 2024).