Which statement best describes the role of dietary fiber?

Which statement best describes the role of dietary fiber?

• A. Fiber provides most of the energy in the diet.
• B. Fiber improves mineral absorption exclusively.
• C. Fiber increases risk of constipation.
• D. Fiber supports GI health, aids bowel regularity, and can improve lipid profiles and glycemic control.

Answer: (D)

Dietary fiber supports GI health and metabolic regulation. It adds bulk to stool and speeds its passage through the intestines, promoting regular bowel movements and reducing constipation risk. It also has metabolic benefits: soluble fiber binds bile acids and slows carbohydrate absorption, which can help lower LDL cholesterol and improve postprandial blood glucose levels. Fiber is not a major energy source for most people, and it doesn’t exclusively enhance mineral absorption; in fact, some fibers can interfere with mineral absorption if intake is very high or not balanced. Because of its broad benefits for digestion, stool regularity, lipid profiles, and glycemic control, the statement that fiber supports GI health, aids bowel regularity, and can improve lipid profiles and glycemic control best describes its role.

Dietary fiber supports GI health and metabolic regulation. It adds bulk to stool and speeds its passage through the intestines, promoting regular bowel movements and reducing constipation risk. It also has metabolic benefits: soluble fiber binds bile acids and slows carbohydrate absorption, which can help lower LDL cholesterol and improve postprandial blood glucose levels. Fiber is not a major energy source for most people, and it doesn’t exclusively enhance mineral absorption; in fact, some fibers can interfere with mineral absorption if intake is very high or not balanced. Because of its broad benefits for digestion, stool regularity, lipid profiles, and glycemic control, the statement that fiber supports GI health, aids bowel regularity, and can improve lipid profiles and glycemic control best describes its role.