This study was performed to investigate the influence of dietary fibers, which were from whole foods, on the function of stomach and intestine. Fiber sources of experimental diets were made from vegetable (carrot) and seaweed (stem of tangle) by dryin...
This study was performed to investigate the influence of dietary fibers, which were from whole foods, on the function of stomach and intestine. Fiber sources of experimental diets were made from vegetable (carrot) and seaweed (stem of tangle) by drying and milling. Each of fiber sources was at the level of 5, 15, 30% of diet. Male Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 8 groups ; FF(fiber-free), C(control), V5 (Vegetable 5%), V15, V3O, S5(Seaweed 5%), S15, S30. Animals were freely accessed to experimental diets for 30 days. The results obtained are summarized as follows ;
1.Weight gain of S5 was significantly higher than that of S30. The group fed high level of dietary fiber source showed the tendency of lower weight gain. Food Intake of groups was not significantly different, except the significantly lower food intake in C & V5 than S5. Food efficiency ratio was decreased in groups fed higher level of dietary fiber source. Water intake was increased by increasing level of dietary fiber. S group showed higher water intake compare to V group.
2.Fecal weight and water content were increased by increasing level of dietary fiber. S group showed higher fecal weight and water content compared to V group.
3.Calcium and magnesium content in feces were significantly increased as intake of dietary fiber increased. Phosphorus content in feces was tend to be increased in the group find the higher level of dietary fiber.
4.The shorter transit time was observed in the group of higher intake of dietary fiber, and at the same level of dietary fiber, transit time of S group was shorter than that of V group.
These results suggest that carrot and sea tangle are effective to improve intestinal function. Therefore, these fiber sources can treat and protect many diseases related to intestinal function, like constipation, hemorrhoid, colon cancer, etc.. However it has to be considered about side effects of high dietary fiber diet on gastrointestinal tract.