What Is the Synthetic Fiber Added to Food?

Synthetic fibers are a types of fiber generally manufactured in a lab. Unlike natural sources of dietary fiber, synthetic fibers are formed by combining pre-existing fiber molecules from different chemicals, fruits and vegetables. According to the Harvard School of Public health, the average American consumes only 15 grams of dietary fiber each day, or less than half of the recommended daily value. As a result, some food companies are adding synthetic fiber to their products in order to increase the overall nutritional value of their foods.

Synthetic fiber, also referred to as functional fiber, consists of isolated, nondigestable carbohydrates, according to the Dream Fields Foods website. Three popular synthetic fibers used in food are inulin, Xanthan gum and pectin, which derive from isolated vegetable, food and fruit products, respectively. Since the average American diet neglects natural sources of dietary fiber – such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables – synthetic fibers offer an nutritional supplement that increases the quantity of fiber in processed foods, such as pasta.

Fiber plays in essential role in helping your body maintain a low body weight and safe cholesterol levels. Since synthetic fibers are reproduced to mimic the digestive properties of natural fibers, they typically contain a similar solubility. According to study published in a 2009 issue of “Nutrition Journal”, a synthetic fiber known as PolyGlycoplex was found to have a high viscosity, or flow property, making it slow to digest. Composed of three separate water-soluble polysaccharides, PolyGlycoplex is a synthetic food fiber not found in nature.

Due to their chemical similarity to dietary fiber, synthetic fibers offer many of the same physiological responses as dietary fiber. For example: when the body digests food that has added synthetic fiber, a soluble polysaccharide substance is formed, leading to the delay of gastric emptying. This helps balance your glucose levels by slowing the transit time that food takes through your small intestine. Also, the added fiber creates a sensation of fullness, potentially reducing the total number of calories you consume in a day.

Despite their evident benefits, synthetic fibers are still relatively new diet inventions, and their health properties have not been extensively studied. While they may offer short-term benefits in increasing your dietary supply of fiber, it may be best to turn to reliable sources, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. For best results, talk to your doctor about the ideal diet for reaching your dietary needs.

Article reviewed by Aijalyn Kohler Last updated on: Jan 30, 2012

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