Fiber2026-06

Plant Foods as Healthy Sources of Dietary Fibre, Microbiota Modulation and Bioactive Compounds: Beyond Definitions-A Review.

Goñi Isabel, Redondo-Cuenca Araceli — Nutrients

Summary

This review highlights that plant-based foods are excellent sources of dietary fiber and other beneficial compounds. These components work together to support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for overall human health. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding how these elements interact to maximize their health benefits.

AI-generated summary — read the original

Key points

Plant foods are rich in dietary fiber and beneficial bioactive compounds.
Fiber and bioactive compounds work together to improve gut health.
A healthy gut microbiome, supported by plant foods, is vital for overall well-being.
Clearer definitions for fiber and bioactive compounds are needed for better understanding.

What the study looked at

**What question the study asked:** This review paper explored how plant-based foods contribute to human health, specifically focusing on the combined roles of dietary fiber and other beneficial substances found in them. It also examined the need for clearer scientific definitions for these components to avoid confusion among both consumers and researchers. **How it was studied (design/participants):** As a review, this paper synthesized and analyzed existing scientific literature on dietary fiber, bioactive compounds, and their impact on the gut microbiome and overall health. It did not involve new experiments or human participants but rather drew conclusions from a broad range of previously published studies, offering a comprehensive overview of current knowledge. **What it found:** The review concluded that plant foods are crucial for providing both dietary fiber and various bioactive compounds. These components don't act in isolation; instead, they work synergistically to positively influence the gut microbiota, which in turn benefits human health in multiple ways. The authors also pointed out that inconsistent terminology for fiber and bioactive compounds can cause confusion, suggesting a clear need for more precise language in the field to improve public understanding and research clarity.

Dietary takeaway

To support your gut health and overall well-being, prioritize a diet rich in diverse plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. These foods provide a powerful combination of fiber and other beneficial compounds that work together. Remember, while this review highlights important connections, it's a synthesis of existing research, and no single study provides definitive answers for individual health.

Abstract

Dietary fibre (DF) and bioactive compounds (BCs) are essential components of a healthy diet and are abundant in plant-rich dietary patterns. Increasing evidence demonstrates that their combined and synergistic actions significantly influence human health, largely through their effects on the gut microbiota. This review highlights the need for more precise terminology regarding DF and BCs, as inconsistent use of these terms can create confusion among both consumers and researchers. The DF complex encompasses all non-digestible food components that have a positive effect on human health, together with the BCs associated with them, recognising that DF often serves as a carrier for these compounds throughout the digestive tract. Although recommended intakes for BCs have not been established, intake levels observed in populations adhering to healthy dietary patterns may serve as useful reference points. Updated data on the intake and estimated intestinal bioaccessibility of polyphenolic compounds in the contemporary Spanish diet are presented.

View on PubMed →DOI: 10.3390/nu18121957