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Biomedical subjects

S B Fredstrom

Publications and source records attributed to S B Fredstrom.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Sex differences in colonic function: a randomised trial.

There are sex differences in large bowel cancer rates and a variety of other gastrointestinal disorders possibly because of differences in gut biology. To determine whether men and women have different gastrointestinal responses when consuming identical intakes of dietary fibre, 16 women and 18 men consumed liquid formula diets and 'quick breads' with 0 g, and 10 g, and 30 g of fibre as wheat bran and vegetable fibre. The five test diets were consumed in random order, each treatment lasting 23 days. Mean transit time was faster (p = 0.02), and stool weights (g/day) were greater (p = 0.0005) for men than women. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) excretion was greater in men (p = 0.01), and women tended to digest more NDF (p = 0.06). Men and women seemed to respond differently to wheat bran and vegetable fibre with regard to NDF excretion and digestibility. There were no gender differences in the faecal pH or moisture content. Concentrations and daily excretion of the secondary bile acids, lithocholic and deoxycholic acid, were greater for men than women (p < 0.05). Gender differences in bowel function and bile acid excretion, observed when men and women consumed the same amounts of dietary fibre, may be relevant for understanding colonic disease aetiology and for undertaking future dietary intervention trials.

Adolescent↗

Determination of the fiber content of enteral feedings.

The importance of dietary fiber in maintaining optimum bowel function has been shown in feeding studies, and many enteral formulas now contain dietary fiber, usually as soy polysaccharide (SP). Generally only total dietary fiber (TDF) values are given on the label or in product literature, with no indication of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) content. Often product literature highlights the amount of SP contained in the formula, not the TDF. The method used to determine TDF content usually is not specified, making it impossible to compare products on a TDF basis. We compared the dietary fiber content of commercially available enteral formulas objectively to help clinicians make informed choices when selecting fiber-containing formulas. Fiber-containing formulas by suppliers were freeze-dried and total, water-soluble, and water-insoluble dietary fiber measured by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) approved method. TDF per 1000 mL ranged from 4.0 to 9.9 g for blenderized formulas and from 7.2 to 20.3 g in formulas containing SP. IDF values per 1000 mL ranged from 2.0 to 5.4 g for blenderized product, and the soy formulas ranged from 5.5 to 16.9 g. SDF values per 1000 mL ranged from 2.0 to 4.5 g in blenderized products, and in soy formulas SDF ranged from 1.7 to 3.8 g. Differences in physiological effects of fiber-containing enteral formulas may be because of differences in fiber composition.

Dietary Fiber↗

Apparent fiber digestibility and fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations with ingestion of two types of dietary fiber.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are products of dietary fiber fermentation. As such, fiber digestibility is thought to be related to SCFA production. The effects of two concentrations of cereal fiber as wheat bran (WB) and vegetable fiber (VF) on fiber digestibility were examined in 34 free-living volunteers. Five diets consisting of a fiber-free liquid nutrition supplement and quick breads containing either (1) 0 g of fiber, (2) 10 g of WB, (3) 30 g of WB, (4) 10 g of VF, or (5) 30 g of VF were consumed in random order. Apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was determined. Colonic fluid, collected by in vivo dialysis in 9 subjects, was analyzed for SCFAs by gas chromatography. Digestibility of NDF was greater with WB than with VF ingestion in those 9 subjects, but digestibility was not different with ingestion of both fibers when all 34 subjects were considered. No effect of intake level was seen with either WB or VF. Fiber ingestion increased acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations above those on the 0 g of fiber diet (43%, 31%, and 90%, respectively; p < .0001). Propionate and butyrate concentrations were greater on WB than VF (p < .01); acetate concentrations were similar with both fibers. No correlation between NDF digestibility and SCFA concentrations was observed. Despite differences in origin, chemistry, particle size, and subject transit time, the WB and VF were similar in NDF fermentability. Molar ratios of specific SCFAs were influenced by type of fiber ingested.

Adult↗