Utilisation of dietary fibre (non-starch polysaccharide and resistant starch) molecules for diarrhoea therapy: A mini-review.

Within the last ten years the utilisation of dietary fibre formats (non-starch polysaccharide and resistant starch) for diarrhoea therapy, have been evaluated. These polysaccharides ferment within the colon and generate short chain fatty acids which facilitate sodium absorption. Comparisons between polysaccharide structure/physico-chemical properties and fermentation capacity in the large intestine are presented. The potential dichotomy associated with recommending dietary fibre ingestion to avoid and treat diarrhoea is also considered. Overall, this mini-review presents an overview of the current knowledge with respect to role of dietary fibre in the management (prevention and treatment) of diarrhoea (osmotic and secretory). It aims to inform the medical and non-medical communities with respect to this relatively poorly researched and understood health related area. Different forms of dietary fibre are considered in this context along with their mechanisms of action.