February 2017 PMID 27863994

Understanding the Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber.

Johnson W McRorie, Nicola M McKeown

Mentions

47
Peak: 2 in Aug 2022
across 6 sources since Feb 2019

Extended reach

393,011
potential audience

Total likes

8,398

Video views

348,266

Mentions per month

Feb 2019 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News20 articles
  • X / Twitter9 posts
  • YouTube6 videos
  • Facebook5 posts
  • Blogs5 articles
  • Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several comments praise the open access paper as more detailed than typical discussions and highlight the complexity of fiber effects, such as differences based on viscosity and food sources. Words like 'complicated,' and references to 'physical effects' indicate a desire for deeper scientific understanding, while mentions of practical implications suggest the research could influence future dietary recommendations.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions reinforce the importance of viscosity in fiber health benefits and support the article’s nuanced view beyond simple classifications.

InterestModerate interest

Participants show moderate curiosity, engaging with the complexity of fiber effects and emphasizing scientific detail, such as viscosity's role.

EngagementModerate engagement

The comments reflect active engagement, with users referencing specific mechanisms and emphasizing the importance of understanding fiber physics.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions highlight potential changes in dietary understanding and practices, indicating a moderate influence of this research on informing health perspectives.

Abstract in brief

  • This review addresses common misconceptions about how soluble and insoluble fibers affect gut health, focusing on their physical effects and proven health benefits like lowering cholesterol, improving blood sugar levels, and normalizing stool form.
  • It emphasizes that the health benefits related to soluble fibers in the small intestine depend heavily on the fibers' viscosity, with high-viscosity fibers like beta-glucan and psyllium being effective, while non-viscous fibers and insoluble fibers do not show these benefits.
  • In the large bowel, two main mechanisms influence stool softening and laxative effects: (1) mechanical irritation by coarse insoluble fibers and (2) water retention by gelforming soluble fibers, both of which require the fibers to resist fermentation and remain intact in stool.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Kate Scarlata, MPH, RDN
@KateScarlata_RD · X

@drjshapiro @AmCollegeGastro @AmerGastroAssn @ACPinternists True! But that viscosity is key to the health benefits. Just drink up before it gets too thick. https://t.co/BSM6p0EMYX

Jan 11, 2022 · 2 likes · 12,456 followers View post →
Kelly Issokson MS RD LDN (she/her)
@GIdietitian · X

Understanding the Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber https://t.co/vE7EWlKhZV

Feb 23, 2019 · 2 likes · 4,499 followers View post →
BlackPhysicists
@BlackPhysicists · X

Understanding the #Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber https://t.co/WD16vm9s2M #biophysics #softmatter #materialsphysics https://t.co/ehvs8Z762D

Oct 1, 2020 · 1 like · 25,134 followers View post →
Agavesyrupguy
@agavesyrupguy · X

@carniyogi @SadBoyFitness @BioLayne The fiber in one food is probably going to have a different effect than the fiber in another food, even if on paper it's the same amount in grams. https://t.co/bz1bIMGfBZ

Jul 18, 2023 · 1 like · 75 followers View post →
Animalrightist
@animalrightist · X

@carniyogi @SadBoyFitness @BioLayne The fiber in one food is probably going to have a different effect than the fiber in another food, even if on paper it's the same amount in grams. https://t.co/bz1bIMGfBZ

Jul 18, 2023 · 1 like · 72 followers View post →
snootypigeon
@snootypigeon · X

fiber is a little more complicated than some youtubers would have you believe open access paper that goes beyond simple insoluble vs soluble fiber https://t.co/DgMecv0vq1

Aug 28, 2023 · 1,391 followers View post →

All mentions

Yefanah
@yefanah · X

Understanding the Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber - Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics https://t.co/0OvRGQuJIv

Sep 2, 2024 · 3 followers View post →
snootypigeon
@snootypigeon · X

fiber is a little more complicated than some youtubers would have you believe open access paper that goes beyond simple insoluble vs soluble fiber https://t.co/DgMecv0vq1

Aug 28, 2023 · 1,391 followers View post →
Animalrightist
@animalrightist · X

@carniyogi @SadBoyFitness @BioLayne The fiber in one food is probably going to have a different effect than the fiber in another food, even if on paper it's the same amount in grams. https://t.co/bz1bIMGfBZ

Jul 18, 2023 · 1 like · 72 followers View post →
Agavesyrupguy
@agavesyrupguy · X

@carniyogi @SadBoyFitness @BioLayne The fiber in one food is probably going to have a different effect than the fiber in another food, even if on paper it's the same amount in grams. https://t.co/bz1bIMGfBZ

Jul 18, 2023 · 1 like · 75 followers View post →
Kate Scarlata, MPH, RDN
@KateScarlata_RD · X

@drjshapiro @AmCollegeGastro @AmerGastroAssn @ACPinternists True! But that viscosity is key to the health benefits. Just drink up before it gets too thick. https://t.co/BSM6p0EMYX

Jan 11, 2022 · 2 likes · 12,456 followers View post →
Tom
@mcatphysics · X

Understanding the Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber https://t.co/lrUuVqUJX9

Mar 2, 2021 · 405 followers View post →
BlackPhysicists
@BlackPhysicists · X

Understanding the #Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber https://t.co/WD16vm9s2M #biophysics #softmatter #materialsphysics https://t.co/ehvs8Z762D

Oct 1, 2020 · 1 like · 25,134 followers View post →
Brian Winston
@winstonian3 · X

Quotes and info taken from “Understanding the Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber” (2017) https://t.co/hoeYQ9Flbe!

Dec 21, 2019 · 712 followers View post →
Kelly Issokson MS RD LDN (she/her)
@GIdietitian · X

Understanding the Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber https://t.co/vE7EWlKhZV

Feb 23, 2019 · 2 likes · 4,499 followers View post →