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Plant Foods as Healthy Sources of Dietary Fibre, Microbiota Modulation and Bioactive Compounds: Beyond Definitions-A
Isabel Goñi1, Araceli Redondo-Cuenca1
1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Nutrients
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Dietary fibre (DF) and bioactive compounds (BCs) are key for health, influencing the gut microbiota. This review clarifies terminology for DF and BCs, vital for accurate consumer and researcher understanding.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Microbiology
- Food Science
Background:
- Dietary fibre (DF) and bioactive compounds (BCs) are crucial for health, abundant in plant-rich diets.
- Their synergistic actions impact human health, primarily via gut microbiota modulation.
- Current terminology for DF and BCs lacks precision, causing confusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of DF and BCs in human health.
- To propose precise terminology for DF and BCs.
- To present updated data on polyphenol intake and bioaccessibility in the Spanish diet.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on DF and BCs.
- Analysis of existing terminology and its implications.
- Data compilation on polyphenol intake and bioaccessibility.
Main Results:
- DF complex definition includes associated BCs, highlighting DF's carrier role.
- No established recommended intakes for BCs exist; healthy population intakes are reference points.
- Updated data on polyphenol intake and bioaccessibility in the Spanish diet are provided.
Conclusions:
- Clearer terminology for DF and BCs is needed to avoid confusion.
- Understanding the interplay between DF, BCs, and gut microbiota is essential for health.
- Data on polyphenol intake and bioaccessibility offer insights into dietary patterns.
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