Accelerating Health Innovation™

Figuring out fiber

A technical article examines the issues involved with establishing a single definition and analysis method for dietary fiber. Representatives of General Mills Medallion Laboratory and Land O'Lakes rtech Laboratory provide commentary throughout. Direct measurement of dietary fiber's physiologic activity is difficult, with gravimetric methodology used for its simulation of human digestion. International harmonization of definitions and measurements is desirable because it "generally results in a reduction of both trade and commerce disputes, or at the very least, a reduced cost of production due to the elimination of multiple regulations and multiple labeling requirements. Detailed discussions of the Codex Alimentarius Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) ALINORM 06/29/06 definition and the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) methods for analysis are included. "A comprehensive analytical method commensurate with the Codex definition could be available as soon as the fall of 2008," according to the General Mills spokesman.

Food Technology
2/1/2008