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SUMMARY OF FIBERS, INCLUDING BEET PULP
Jane Bicks D.V.M.
Fiber is a carbohydrate that is not broken down in the intestine nor
digested to enter the blood. Protein, fat, and other carbohydrates are
broken down and digested. Cellulose is an example of fiber that we are
familiar with. It is one of the fibers found in vegetables. Different
foods contain different fibers. Apples for example, contain pectin. All
different fibers vary widely in their chemical and physical properties.
The following is an example of fibers:
| * Lignin |
* Pectin |
| * Hemicellulose |
* Beet pulp |
| * Peanut hulls |
* Cellulose |
When discussing fiber, there are two
terms that are commonly used; CRUDE FIBER AND DIETARY FIBER.
CRUDE FIBER: The remains of the fiber after it has been added to dilute
acids and bases in a laboratory. DIETARY FIBER: The remains of
fiber in the digestive tract after the body's normal action on it. The
fiber listed on a pet food label is crude fiber.
Fibers have been classified as INSOLUBLE and SOLUBLE. Most
soluble fibers are fermentable, insoluble ones are not, however there
are exceptions.
The following are a few INSOLUBLE FIBERS: Beet Pulp, Cellulose
Insoluble fibers are primarily found in cereal grains and seed coats.
Vegetables, cellulose, lignin ( found in grasses ), and other cereals
are the most common sources. Insoluble fibers do not hold water as do
the soluble.
The following are a few SOLUBLE FIBERS: Pectin, methylcellulose,
guar gum, Xanthan gum
Soluble fibers have great water holding capacities. They are found in
the parenchyma portions of fruits and vegetables, and seeds of
leguminous plants. Oats, oat bran, barley, pectin, citrus fruits, beans,
lentils contain large amounts of soluble fiber. Pectins generally come
from fruits and vegetables. Gums generally come from seeds and stems.
All of the above mentioned fibers generally undergo a tremendous amount
of fermentation once they hit the intestines. They can cause gas and
loose stools.
FIBER HAS THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS:
* Attracting water from the blood stream into the digestive tract,
softening the stools and preventing constipation
* Stimulating the motility of the intestines by creating mechanical
pressure on the intestines, moving the stool through the intestines and
out. The intestines move via segmentation (worm like) and peristalsis.
Both movements speeds up the passage of food materials through the
digestive tract, thus shortening the transit time and helping to prevent
exposure of the tissue causing agents in food. Depending upon the type
and amount of fiber used, it produces various types of stool. Ideally
the stool should be small, segmented and firm.
FIBER IS ALSO CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE AMOUNT OF FERMENTATION.
Fermentation of fiber is important for stool quality, health of the
intestines, and over all health. Fermentable fibers ferment the bacteria
in the intestines, producing "food" for the intestines. There are three
types of fermentable fibers:
Highly fermentable - Can cause gas and loose stool
Moderately fermentable
Little fermentability - Does not produce large amounts of " food" for
the intestines
The fermentability of the fiber will affect the stool quality. The
production of liquid feces, diarrhea and constipation are all
undesirable. Optimal stool quality should be of adequate firmness.
Fiber sources that are low in fermentability result in decreased
defecation frequency with
dry feces. Fibers that are highly fermentable cause diarrhea and gas.
Moderately fermentable
fibers produce excellent stool characteristics and maintains nutrient
digestibility.
BEET PULP IS A MODERATELY FERMENTABLE FIBER
Fermentable fibers are responsible for intestinal health for the
following reasons:
* They produce “food" for the intestinal cells. This food consists of
short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The food is produced by the
fermentation of bacteria that is in the intestines. The SCFAs are
responsible for up to 70% of the food that the large intestinal cells
need to function.
* The SCFAs (food) increase blood flow through the cells of the
intestine. The blood carries nutrients to the intestinal cells so that
they can function and replicate to form new cells. This is essential for
the health of the cells.
* The SCFAs ensure the correct electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium)
in the intestines and thus within the body.
* The SCFAs stimulate new intestinal cell growth. Studies show that
these fiber sources increase the colon's weight and surface area.
* They decrease harm to the intestinal cells.
* Are partially responsible for intestinal movement
Intestinal health is extremely important to the body. The instestines do
the following:
* Digest and absorb nutrients
* Regulate mineral intake
* Regulate water intake
* Determine intestinal movement
* Are extremely involved with the immune system.
THE INTESTINES CONTAIN APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THE BODIE'S IMMUNE
SYSTEM! The center of immune cells (GALT) communicate with the
immune centers throughout the body. Intestinal health is vital to over
all health. Most holistic practitioners (veterinarian and physician)
will treat the intestines prior to, or along with treating any chronic
illness in the body.
BEET PULP, A MODERATELY FERMENTABLE FIBER, is an excellent source
of SCFAs, and produces a desirable stool when the amount is no more than
7.5%. BEEP PULP IS ONE OF THE MOST DESIRABLE FIBERS, KEEPING THE
INTESTINES AND THE REST OF THE BODY HEALTHY.
References:
In Vitro Fermentation as a Predictor of Fiber Utilization, “Recent
Advances in Canine and Feline Nutritional Research, Proceedings 1996,
Gregory A. Reinhart, PhD, Director of Strategic Research and
Development, The Iams Company, Lewisburg, Ohio. ( See attached )
Sunvold GD, Fahey GC Jr., Merchen NR, Titegemeyer EC, Bourquin LD, Bauer
LL, Reinhart GA. Dietary Fiber for dogs: IV. In vitro fermentation of
selected fiber sources by dog fecal inoculum and in vivo digestion and
metabolism of feber supplemented diets. J. Animal Sci 1995;
73:1099-1109.
Sunvold GD, Fahey GC Jr, Merchen NR, Reinhart GA. In vitro fermentation
of selected fibrous substrates by dog and cat faecal inoculum: Influence
of diet composition of substrate oroganic matter disappearance and short
chain fatty acid production. J. Animal Sci 1995, 73:1110-1122
Sunvold GD, Fahey GC Jr. Merchen NR, Bourquin LD, Titgemeyer EC, Bauer
LL, Reinhart GA. Dietary fiber for cats: In vitro fermentation of
selected fiber sources by cat fecal inoculum and in vivo utilization of
diets containing selected fiber sources and their blends. J. Animal Sci
1995; 73:2329-2339
Dietary Fiber and Colonic Morphology, Edgar T Clemens, PhD, Professor of
Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal and veterinary
sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska. ( See
attached )
Physiological Response to Short Chain Fatty Acir Production in the
Intestine, Monty S Kerley, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of
Animal Science, College of Agriculture, University of Missouri,
Columbia, Missouri. Gregory D. Sunvold, PhD, Research and Development,
The Iams Company, Lewisburg, Ohio
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