Impact of Dietary Fiber on Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in Older Patients: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The beneficial impact of dietary fiber on the prevention and management of several chronic conditions associated with aging, including diabetes, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, is well-known. High fiber intake has been associated with reduced inflammatory mediators counteracting the low-grade chronic inflammation typical of older age. In addition, dietary fiber improves postprandial glucose response and insulin resistance. In contrast, during acute diseases, its effects on insulin resistance and modulation of immune response are unclear. The aim of this narrative is to summarize the evidence for the potential impact of dietary fiber on inflammation and insulin resistance in older adults, with a particular focus on those acutely ill. Available evidence suggests that dietary fiber has the potential to counteract acute inflammation and to improve metabolic health. In addition, modulation of gut microbiota composition may contribute to improved immune function, particularly in the setting of aging-associated dysbiosis. This phenomenon has relevant implications in those acutely ill, in whom dysbiosis can be exacerbated. Our review leads to the conclusion that dietary interventions based on fiber manipulation could exploit its beneficial effects on inflammation and insulin resistance, if conducted from a precision nutrition perspective. This could also be true for the acutely ill patient, even though strong evidence is lacking.

Systematic investigation of aging-related molecular factors

“…However, this is not accurate. Carbohydrates such as fiber are beneficial to human and microbiome, resulting in the improvement in immune response, health, and ultimately affects aging [42,43]. Similar proposals were also found in fat, where it was commonly believed that fat is bad for health.…”

Exploring the nutraceutical potential: Evaluating the nutritional and bioactive functions of five pomelo fruit varieties in Bangladesh

“…The amount of fiber found in this study was higher than Kongkachuichai et al [ 27 ], who found 0.99 to 0.73 % in five Thai pomelo varieties. The fiber in food samples not only decreased or delayed the absorption of glucose into the blood but also increased insulin sensitivity by reducing hepatic liver content [ 28 ]. Therefore, the observed variance in proximate composition could potentially be attributed to a combination of regional variation, edaphic variables, climate fluctuations, and the genetic mix of individual fruit cultivars [ 29 ].…”

Twelve Weeks of Daily Lentil Consumption Improves Fasting Cholesterol and Postprandial Glucose and Inflammatory Responses—A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Fiber offers various metabolic health benefits including increased satiety [13], reduced triglyceride absorption, and improved glycemic control [14,15]. Increased fiber intake has also been linked to blunted systemic inflammation [16,17], which often manifests with altered lipid and glucose metabolism. However, metabolic benefits vary by pulse variety, dosage, and duration of inclusion in the diet [15].…”