Fiber Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Fiber - Research Paper Example (Whole Grains and Fiber, 2010, para. 1) What is the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber? Fiber can be â€Å"characterized by its solubility in the intestines. Soluble fibers have a high water holding capacity while insoluble fibers do not. â€Å"Despite the potential confounding of these classifications, both soluble and insoluble forms of fiber are important and appear to have different health properties in at least some settings† (Van Horn, 1997, para. 3 and 5). What are the fiber recommendations for children versus adults, according to the article? Van Horn (1997, para. 17) indicates that children should get the majority of calories from complex carbohydrates. However, because of concerns relating to growth and energy it has been suggested by Pediatricians that the â€Å"age plus 5† rule be observed. This means that if a child is five years old then he or she should consume 5 + 5 = 10g of fiber per day. Once the child’s intake of calories approache s that of an adult (1500 calories or more) then a total of no more than 25g is recommended (Van Horn, 1997 para. 18). A recent article suggests that children 1 – 3, 4 to 8, 9 to 13 and 14 to 18 should have 19g, 25g, 26 to 31g; and 29 to 38g respectively (Fiber & Children’s Diet (n.d). para. 2). The recommended intake of fiber for adults is 25 to 30g per day.