Historical perspective as a guide for identifying and developing applicable methods for dietary fiber.
A review is presented describing the nature and evolving definition of dietary fiber. The historical development of the current definition is discussed as are the efforts to develop analytical methods to support food labeling regulations. Also considered are the characterization and quantitation of resistance starch, a dietary starch that does not digest in the small intestine, behaves like dietary fiber and therefore may have potential as a health-related ingredient in foods. The current status of AOAC methodology is discussed along with the possibility of updating the definition of dietary fiber. The potential impacts of changing the dietary fiber definition on analytical issues and on food composition databases are also considered.
DeVries
Jonathan W
JW
Medallion Laboratories, General Mills Inc., 9000 Plymouth Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA. jon.devries@genmills.com
Rader
Jeanne I
JI
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000145:classification / Q000592:standards; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000032:analysis / Q000145:classification* / Q000266:history / Q000592:standards; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000592:standards; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D049673:History, 20th Century; D014481:United States
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber