Table 1 Types of dietary fibers, functions, and references

Insoluble dietary fibers

Cellulose

Beans, brown rice, flour, nuts, vegetables

Fecal bulking, SCFA production, enhance immune function

[7,8,9,10,11,12, 21]

Hemicellulose

Fructans

Soluble dietary fibers

Pectin

Fruits, vegetables

Slow glucose absorption and binding of bile acids, modulate microbial composition

[9, 14, 21]

β-glucan

Algae, cereal grains (e.g., barley or oats), mushrooms, other marine plants

Prebiotic, SCFA production, slow glucose absorption and binding of bile acids, modulate microbial composition

[9, 14, 19, 21]

Oligofructose

Commercially available from chemical degradation by endoglycosidase enzymes; naturally in banana, asparagus, chicory root, dandelion greens, garlic, artichokes, leeks, onion, wheat, barley, rye

Prebiotic, decrease plasma LPS in diabetics

[9, 19, 124]

Inulin

Leeks, asparagus, onions, wheat, garlic, chicory, oats, soybeans, bananas, agave, Jerusalem artichokes

SCFA production, reduce body weight, blood cholesterol, and blood glucose concentrations, decrease plasma LPS in diabetics

[9, 19, 21]

Fructooligosaccharide

Transfructosylation of sucrose; naturally in artichoke, asparagus, banana, chicory, garlic, onion

Prebiotic, promote gastrointestinal health due to fermentability, change composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota

[9, 19, 125]

Galactooligosaccharides

Synthesized by glycosylation of lactose; used in beverages (fruit juices and other acid drinks), confectionery products, fermented and flavored milks, infant formula, meal replacers

[9, 126]

Resistance starches

Bananas, beans, lentils, peas, whole grains

[9]

Maltodextrin

Synthesized from highly processed corn, potato, rice, or wheat; potential application as fat replacer in butter and margarines, dairy products; low-fat salad dressings, mayonnaise, spreads, and used in nonallergenic infant formula, rehydration/recovery/energy drinks

[9, 127]

Guar gum

Made from the endosperm of the plant Cyamopsis tetragonolobus; used in bakery, cereal, dairy products, meat products

[19]

Arabinooligosaccharides

Bars, cereals, dairy products, isotonic beverages, sports drinks

Xylooligosaccharides

Bamboo shoots, bars, cereals, dairy products, fruits, honey, isotonic beverages, sports drinks, vegetables,

Prebiotic, SCFA production

[19, 21]