Dietary Fiber and Human Health

In the past quarter century, dietary fiber has emerged as a leading dietary component in chronic disease prevention. High fiber intake lowers risk for cardiovascular disease (Kromhout et al.. 1982). some cancers (Kromhout, 1982a). hypertension (Anderson. 1983a). diabetes (Anderson, 1986) and obesity (Anderson and Bryant. 1986a). In addition. dietary fiber has therapeutic value in treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) (Arntzenius et al.. 1985). hyperlipidemia (Anderson and Tietyen-Clark, 1986). hypertension (Anderson, 1983). diabetes (Anderson and Bryant. 1986b). obesity (Anderson and Bryant, 1986c). and gastrointestinal diseases (Anderson, 1985a). An overwhelming consensus recommendation now advises an intake of five to six servings of vegetables and fruits daily (National Academy of Sciences, 1989: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. 1988a), for a dietary fiber intake of 20 to 35 g/day or 10 to 13 g/1000 kcal for healthy adults (Pilch. 1987a).