Dietary Fibers from Fruits and Vegetables and Their Health Benefits via Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Dietary fibers (DFs) regulate host health through various mechanisms related to their dietary sources, specific physicochemical structures, fermentability, and physiological properties in the gut. Considering the numerous types and sources of DFs and their different physicochemical and physiological properties, it is challenging yet important to establish the key mechanisms for the beneficial health effects of DFs. In this review, the types and structures of DFs from different fruits and vegetables were summarized and the effects of different processing methods on DF properties were discussed. Moreover, the impacts of DFs on gut microbial ecology, host physiology, and health were described. Understanding the complex interaction between different DFs and gut microbiota is vital for personalized nutrition. It is also important to comprehend factors influencing gut microbiota and strategies to regulate the microbiota, thereby augmenting beneficial health responses. The exploration of molecular mechanism linking DFs, gut microbiota, and host physiology may allow for the identification of effective targets to fight against major chronic diseases.

The effects of different dietary fiber pectin structures on the gastrointestinal immune barrier: impact via gut microbiota and direct effects on immune cells

“…Because of its wide variety of structural features and specific health effects, pectin is a molecule that can be tailored for personalized medicine. Pectins may, for instance, be useful in preventing or restoring dysbiotic microbiota compositions associated with obesity, inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic syndrome 94 . Several studies have shown that supplementation of dietary fibers can prolong remission periods in patients with IBDs 132,133 , but no human studies have demonstrated that dietary fibers can be used to treat active IBDs 134 , suggesting that dietary fibers can prevent but not cure IBD symptoms.…”

Microbiota Modulating Nutritional Approaches to Countering the Effects of Viral Respiratory Infections Including SARS-CoV-2 through Promoting Metabolic and Immune Fitness with Probiotics and Plant Bioactives

“…Prebiotic DF from fruits and vegetables is well-established to modulate the gut microbiota, and numerous benefits have been reported in chronic inflammatory and metabolic conditions [138]. Moreover, increased DF consumption is linked to reduced mortality rates in respiratory-related diseases [139] and improved lung function [140].…”

Interactions between cell wall polysaccharides and polyphenols: Effect of molecular internal structure

“…CPSs are known to interact with various polyphenols, modifying their bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioefficacy (Holland, Ryden, Edwards, & Grundy, 2020; Ribas‐Agustí, Martín‐Belloso, Soliva‐Fortuny, & Elez‐Martínez, 2018). In addition, CPSs can affect host health through a variety of mechanisms depending on their dietary source, specific physicochemical structure, fermentability, and physiological properties in the gut (Cui et al., 2019). While the interaction of CPSs with polyphenols during processing has been widely reported in the past decade, the specific structural determinants behind these macromolecular interactions have not been systematically established; likewise, little is known about their consequences on host health.…”