A critical review of food fiber analysis and data

Epidemiologists, research scientists, and dietitians need data on the dietary fiber content of foods. This article provides a provisional table on dietary fiber, compiled after a thorough search of the literature and a critical evaluation of the analytical methodology employed. To make fully understandable the limitations and problems associated with the current dietary fiber data base, a short review of what is meant by the term dietary fiber and the complex chemical structures of the major dietary fibers--cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin--are presented. A short description of the numerous analytical methods for quantifying dietary fiber, including the neutral detergent fiber procedure, the various enzymatic gravimetric procedures, and the analytic schemes for measuring the major dietary fiber fractions is also given, along with the strengths and weakness of the various procedures. The table on foods commonly eaten in the United States is meant as an interim guide for menu planning and dietary evaluation until newer data become available. Data are most limited on legumes and the numerous specialty baked products and breads available in this country.