Fibre

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Dietary fibre, or ‘roughage’ is an important part of a healthy diet and is generally found in the cell walls of plant products.

Dietary fibre belongs to the complex carbohydrate group of nutrients and is sometimes referred to as ‘non-starch polysaccharides’, or NSP for short.

Some types of fibre are fermented by bacteria that live in the large intestine; other types pass through the body intact. Fibre is needed for the maintenance of a healthy digestive system.

The digestive system

The bacteria that live naturally in our large intestine can use some types of fibre as an energy source. They break it down, in a process known as 'fermentation', to form what are known as 'short-chain fatty acids'.

Short-chain fatty acids can be absorbed through the intestine wall and used in the body. Bacterial fermentation is vital for maintaining healthy conditions within the large intestine.

Any fibre that cannot be fermented helps to add bulk to faeces (stools), which aids its passage through the intestine.

Fibre in the diet

Fibre in the diet can reduce absorption of certain minerals by the body. However, high-fibre foods are usually also good sources of these minerals, so this effect is cancelled out. If you increase the amount of fibre in your diet, you should also try to increase your intake of fluids. For more advice, ask your Boots pharmacist.

Food sources

High-fibre foods include:

wholemeal bread
brown pasta and rice
fruit and vegetables.

Supplements

Always follow the instructions on the pack carefully. If you are in any doubt, ask your Boots pharmacist for advice.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.