Dietary Fiber and Gut Health: Mechanisms and Benefits

Authors

  • Samina Kauser Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Mehak Fatima Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Eesha Zubair Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Eman Farooq Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Ayesha Ejaz Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Aqib Ishaq Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
  • Kanz Ul-Eman Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Soban Mumtaz School of Tea and Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei-230036, China
  • Hamna Siddique Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Fatima Haroon Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan

Keywords:

Dietary Fibers, Gastrointestinal Disorders, irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gut Health

Abstract

Dietary fiber serves an essential function in maintaining digestive health and overall wellness. This review examines the mechanisms through which various types of dietary fiber modulate gastrointestinal physiology, microbial profile, and immune activity. Soluble and insoluble fibers affect digestion, regulate gut motility, and act as substrates for microbial fermentation, generating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including butyrate, propionate, and acetate. These SCFAs have been reported to enhance gut epithelial integrity, decrease inflammation, and modulate whole-body metabolic processes. Furthermore, diets containing high fiber content are linked to improved gut microbiota diversity and the expansion of good bacteria, contributing to the mitigation and control of various gut related disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer. comprehending the multiple roles of dietary fiber highlights its importance in dietary approaches focused on improving gut health and averting long-term illness.

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Kauser, S., Fatima, M., Zubair, E., Farooq, E., Ejaz, A., Ishaq, A., Ul-Eman, K., Soban Mumtaz, M., Siddique, H., & Haroon, F. (2025). Dietary Fiber and Gut Health: Mechanisms and Benefits. Medical and Life Sciences, 4(1), 1–9. Retrieved from https://journals.smarcons.com/index.php/mls/article/view/437

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Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): Volume 4(1)

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