The bulk of gastroenterology.

Low residue or fiber deficient diets have been implicated in the etiology of numerous disorders, (1) from colonic neoplasms to dental caries, from varicose veins to atheroma and ischemic heart disease.(2, 3) Although wheat bran is the most commonly mentioned source of dietary fiber, there are many other sources available.What is fiber and what is its importance? Is it merely another fad? Previously irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease were treated with a low residue diet-has the change to a high fiber diet been justified? Only recently has methodology effectively separated crude fiber from dietary fiber. Few, and often conflicting, clinical trials are available for management guidance.