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Dietary fibre in infancy and childhood

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2007

C. A. Edwards  and
A. M. Parrett
C. A. Edwards*
Affiliation:
Department of Human Nutrition, Glasgow University, Yorkhill Hospitals, Glasgow, G3 8SJ
A. M. Parrett
Affiliation:
Department of Human Nutrition, Glasgow University, Yorkhill Hospitals, Glasgow, G3 8SJ
*
*Corresponding author: Dr Christine Edwards, fax +44 141 201 9275, caeln@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
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Abstract

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There is very little evidence for the effects of dietary fibre in young children and current dietary guidelines are based on assumptions and data extrapolated from studies in adults. The first years of life may be critical for the establishment of a healthy colonic microflora, as well as good eating habits. The lack of clear and well-founded guidelines for the intake of dietary fibre in childhood may hinder both factors. The fears that a high-fibre diet in children <5 years of age will lead to growth faltering and mineral imbalance are not well supported in the literature, especially for children in the developed world. Indeed, with the rising levels of obesity, fibre intake may be of benefit in reducing energy intake. A low-fibre diet may also be implicated in the aetiology of childhood constipation and appendicitis. The latest proposals for the definition of dietary fibre include oligosaccharides, which may act as prebiotics. There are potential health benefits of including oligosaccharides in the diets of infants and children, but more research is needed to consider the long-term effects. The immature intestine of the infant may also result in a greater amount of starch entering the colon during weaning, and this starch would now be considered dietary fibre under the new definitions. Much new research is needed to allow adequate recommendations for the intake of dietary fibre in childhood based on data collected in appropriate age-groups.

Keywords

Dietary fibreChildhoodMicrofloraFermentation
Type
Symposium on ‘Dietary fibre in health and disease’ Session: General aspects of dietary fibre
Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 62 , Issue 1 , February 2003 , pp. 17 - 23
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2003

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