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“In 2002, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) established an adequate intake (AI) level for dietary fiber (DF) for males and females older than 2 years [1]. The IOM recommendations were based on the median DF intake that achieved the lowest risk of coronary heart disease. Epidemiologic and intervention studies suggested that an intake of 14 g DF per 1000 kcal would promote heart health. Therefore, the recommended intake of DF varies depending on age and sex. Much like the IOM, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee concluded that DF from foods may protect against cardiovascular disease, and

this nutrient is also essential for optimal digestive health [2]. Greater intakes of vegetables and fruits—as good sources of DF—are associated Caspase activity assay with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, especially those of the gastrointestinal tract. Increasing Selleck STA-9090 DF intake is associated with greater stool bulk and faster transit time, thus leading to improved laxation and other gastrointestinal health benefits. For example, recent research has

found that DF from white potatoes plays a role in the production of fecal short-chain fatty acids concentration, which is important for immune regulation and maintaining gut health [3]. Potato fiber is shown to protect the small intestinal wall against ingested compounds formed during cooking, such as melanoidins and acrylamide [4]. Studies have also established that potato fiber has antiproliferative functions that may act as chemopreventive agents [5] and [6]. Other studies have shown that resistant starch may

act as a probiotic, which nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and increases the mucus layer that protects the gut from harmful compounds [7]. Grains, fruits, and vegetables contribute significant amounts of DF to the diet [8]. These 3 food groups account for more than 70% of DF in the food supply; however, the proportion of DF provided by grains, vegetables, and fruits has changed somewhat since 1970 [9]. For very example, in 1970, based on per-capita availability, vegetables and fruit provided 32% and 13% of the DF, respectively, whereas grains contributed 30% of DF. In 2006, however, per-capita availability of DF from vegetables and fruit declined to 26% and 11%, respectively, whereas DF from grains increased to 36%. White potatoes alone contributed 9.2% of DF in 1970, but only about 7% of DF in 2006. Likewise, DF contributions from dark green and deep yellow vegetables fell from 19.4% to 15.0%, in that same period. Compared with grain products, the DF content of fruits and vegetables is more modest because of their relatively high water content [8]. Commonly consumed vegetables provide about 1 to 3 g DF per 100 g (g DF/100 g). The DF content of the white potato—with or without the skin—compares favorably with other vegetables (Fig. 1).