Dietary Fiber in Children

The type and quantity for fiber dietary recommendations for children has never been exact but rather, extrapolated from adult data (IOM, 2002). What is clear is that the national survey data from U.S. NHANES and KNHS show that fiber is the most commonly missing nutrient from the diets in young children. Fibers were traditionally classified as soluble and insoluble but the terminologies have shifted to describe fibers as: dietary fiber and functional fiber (IOM, 2002).

Dietary fiber derived from whole foods in the diet is most ideal, but the vast majority children are not getting the fiber they need for healthy bowel elimination because they are not eating enough fruits and vegetables, and whole grains are being replaced by refined flours. Although fiber helps with elimination, these intact dietary fibers cause children’s gastrointestinal (GI) distress too.

Isolated fibers or functional fibers have become common in food manufacturing. Several new functional fibers provide the beneficial physiological effects of fermentation by gut bacteria with less bloating and discomfort, depending on the cumulative dose in the GI tract.

The gut microbiome is hypothesized to remain dynamic beyond the age of 3 years and responds to dietary differences across individuals (Herman et al, 2020). This means that dietary intakes of children are still being influenced by the foods and fiber they ingest. The gut microbiota plays a key role in promoting and maintaining human health.

Until children outgrow the fussiness of earlier years where intact dietary fiber intake is being delayed, the fiber best suited for supplementing a new FMP drink is one that will be tolerated with the least amount of discomfort, prevent occasional constipation, and provide other selective functional benefits that perhaps are found to be useful. Functional fibers are being incrementally added to many foods because of the inadequate intake in diets and an excess will cause distress.

Below are some brief characteristics and noteworthy remarks about functional fibers:

o   Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) – prebiotic properties, 2-9 units long, and derived from lactose in cow’s milk, resembles human milk oligosaccharides, tolerated up to 12 g daily.

o   Oligofructose (OF)  and Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) – prebiotic properties, can cause distress with overload, 2-9 units long.

o   Inulin – oligosaccharides, prebiotic properties, 10+ units long from chicory root, can cause gas and bloating with overload.

o   Beta-glucan – polysaccharides such as yeast mushrooms, seaweed or oats – most known for cholesterol reduction and diabetes prevention.

o   Yeast beta-glucan – may reduce risk of respiratory infection in children with respiratory problem (Richter et al, 2015)

o   Polydextrose – polysaccharide from glucose and sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, well- tolerated.

o   Soluble fiber dextrin – isolated from wheat, corn or tapioca, listed as dextrin on label

o   Soluble corn fiber – less desired because it could appear as corn syrup on label.

Experts have not come to a consensus on the amount or kind of dietary fiber that is best for children. The fibers listed above are suitable for children with varying degrees of prebiotic effects. The fiber can be chosen based on a product’s positioning and budget. In general, GOS may be better tolerated than FOS or inulin, but another option to consider could be beta-glucan – especially if lactoferrin anti-infective claims will be pursued – however, a deeper review is needed to confirm. A more detailed report of fibers including properties, sources, and indications can be elaborated further.