Dietary fiber is important for adolescents. It comes from plant foods and is classified as soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber lowers cholesterol while insoluble fiber helps prevent constipation. Fiber intake should increase from childhood to adulthood according to age-based guidelines. Meeting fiber needs supports growth, prevents diseases, and balances sugar to protect dental health. However, increasing fiber too quickly can cause discomfort, and too much fiber can decrease mineral absorption.

1. Importance of
dietary fiber in
adolescence
-By Shehnaaz
Begum

2. Diet is defined as the types and amounts of food eaten
daily by an individual [FDI, 1994]
Diet refers to the local action of foods on oral tissues
and encompasses composition of foods, its consistency
and pattern and frequency of eating.
It encompasses the food as it is eaten regardless of its
fate and exerts local/direct effects upon the dentition.

3. oThe term “FIBER” refers to carbohydrates that
cannot be digested.
oFiber is only found in foods that comes from plants
and vegetables.
oTypes of Fiber
oTwo types of fibers :
1. Soluble Fiber
2. Insoluble Fiber
Soluble fiber is one that partially dissolves in
water and has been shown to lower cholesterol.
Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water and that
is why it helps with constipation.

11.  It promotes normal laxation.
 According to ”Age +5” rule, dietary fiber intake should
increase from 8 gms. per day at age of 8 yrs to 25 gms. per day
by age 20 years
 After 20 years of age, fiber levels of 25-35gms per day are
recommended.
 Currently the amount of consumption of dietary fiber among
children is inadequate for optimal health promotion and
disease prevention.

12.  Diet in childhood and adolescence influence
not only health of child but also the future
health of adult
 Therefore optimal diet during these
formative years must be adequate to support
the normal growth and development during
childhood as well as to establish nutritional
foundation for prevention of diet related
chronic diseases among adults.

18. Fiber modify bacterial composition of the
dominant flora by increasing bifidobacteria.
These bifidobacteria, which are saccharolytic
bacteria naturally occurring in the normal
colonic flora, might be beneficial to host health.

23. Constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome
Diverticulitis (small hernia of digestive tract caused by
long term constipation)
Coronary heart diseases
Cancers (Ex. Colon cancer)
Diabetes
Hemorrhoids
Gall stones and kidney stones

25.  A sudden increase from low fiber diet to
high fiber diet can create some abdominal
pain, increase flatulence
 Also more than 40gms of fiber daily are
linked with decreased absorption of some
important minerals such as Fe, Zn, Ca.
 This occurs when fiber binds these
minerals and forms insoluble salts which
are excreted.

27. Fibrous diet balances sugar and help to clean the
teeth.
 It also helps in stimulating saliva production which
washes harmful acids and food particles away from
the teeth.
It helps in neutralizing acids.
Fiber rich diet is best natural defense against cavities.
It plays a role in maintaining healthy gums.
It protects teeth from decay.