Editorial
Copyright ©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Co.
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 21, 2007; 13(31): 4161-4167
Published online Aug 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i31.4161
Table 1 Classification of fiber
MaterialChemical structureSourceHydrolysisFermentation in colon
Soluble fibers
PectinsNonstarch polysaccharidePlant cell wallYesRapid
GuarNonstarch polysaccharideBeansYesRapid
IspaghulaAcidic arabinoxylanHusks of seeds of platago ovataYesRapid
HemicelluloseNonstarch polysaccharideComponent of plantsYesVariable
Insoluble fibers
CelluloseNonstarch polysaccharideComponent of plantsMinimalVariable
HemicelluloseNonstarch polysaccharideComponent of plantsPartialVariable
LigninNonpolysaccharide cell wall componentComponent of plantsNearly noneMinimal
Resistant starch
Starch not digested in small intestinePolysaccharideLegumes/ GrainsMinimalComplete