title: [Sense and nonsense of diets].
abstract: Strict vegetarian diets and liquid formulations of "protein-sparing modified fast diets" can be harmful and represent potential "nonsense" in diets. "Sense" with respect to diets is demonstrated by a short summary of the physiological effects of dietary fibre. Fibre incorporates water, increases fecal bulk and reduces transit time of the bowel. Fermentation of fibres in the large bowel produces short-chain fatty acids, e.g. acetate, propionate and butyrate with desirable effects. Butyrate, for example, modifies colonic cell proliferation and may reduce the incidence of colorectal neoplasms. The beneficial effects of a diet, high in fibre, on blood lipids, overweight, colorectal disease and diabetes mellitus are briefly discussed.
authors.affiliation: Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Ballmer
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D004033:Diet Fads; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000502:physiology*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005227:Fatty Acids
vernacular_title: Sinn und Unsinn von Diäten.