Dietary fibre: The scientific search for an ideal definition and methodology of analysis, and its physiological importance as a carrier of bioactive compounds

• Oligosaccharides and polyphenols are important constituents of dietary fiber (DF).
• Oligosaccharides should be included in definition and analysis of DF.
• DF carries polyphenols into the gut contributing to intestinal health.
• Polyphenols need to be quantified correctly and studied in conjunction with fiber.
• Oligosaccharides and polyphenols improve the prebiotic and antioxidant effects of DF.

There is a growing need for a global consensus on the definition of dietary fibre and the use of appropriate methodologies for its determination in different food matrices. Oligosaccharides (prebiotic effect) and bioactive compounds (antioxidant effect) are important constituents of dietary fibre, which enhance its beneficial effects in the body, such as those related to maintaining intestinal health. These dietary components need to be quantified and addressed in conjunction with fibre in nutritional studies due to the close relationship between them and their common destiny in the human body. This review discusses updates to the concept of dietary fibre, with an emphasis on biological and methodological aspects, and highlights the physiological importance of fibre as a carrier of bioactive compounds.

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