Dietetic fibre

Dietetic fibre is made of an heterogeneous set of vegetal macromolecules, not digestible by human digestive enzymes but susceptible of been hydrolysed by colon bacteria. Eating fibre rich diets is associated with less prevalence of some chronic diseases such as constipation, diverticulosis, obesity, dyslipidemia, type II diabetes and some kinds of cancer. Fibre has many physiologic effects that depend on its physical-chemical properties that can be used in prevention and treatment of this conditions. Diet in paediatric age must guarantee adequate growth and development, and also prevent diseases in adult life. Even though there are few studies in children and scientific evidence is still scarce, we can assure that an adequate consumption of fibre in childhood brings health benefits to short and long time, and it doesn?t involve significative risks. The definition of dietetic fibre is revised, its properties and its classification, its physiological effects, its clinical uses, its adverse reactions as well as its sources and recommendations of consumption in childhood.