Dietary fibers, known to regulate intestinal inflammation and gut barrier functions, have been avoided by patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) to avoid flare-ups. However, recent findings suggest that if fiber type, patient immunological condition, and the fermentative ability of the gut microbiota are taken into account, they could be beneficial and prevent relapses.

Restricting dietary fiber is a common advice for people living with inflammatory bowel disease. New research shows that not all fibers work the same and their impact on intestinal inflammation and gut barrier function depend on the type of fiber, individual immune status and the fermentative capacity of their gut microbes.

Diet variety is related to gut microbiome diversity and a greater abundance of some potentially beneficial bacteria. A new study suggests how increasing the quantity and diversity of dietary fiber intake by consuming multi-fiber bread may improve cholesterol and insulin resistance by altering gut microbiome composition and function.

While we have known for a while that a diet consisting of fiber-rich foods reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases and lowers people’s mortality rate, scientists have only recently started elucidating why fiber is beneficial for human health. This article clarifies the definition and health implications of the closely related terms fiber, MACs and prebiotics.