The effectiveness of dietary fiber in inflammatory bowel disease

The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in maintaining human health and the development of a number of diseases. A change in the number of bacteria metabolizing indigestible dietary fibers is considered as a link in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. A growing body of evidence supports the benefits of dietary fiber in maintaining the composition of the intestinal microbiome and its effect on intestinal health. Some fermentable fibers are metabolized by intestinal bacteria to short-chain fatty acids (acetate, butyrate and propionate), which have immunomodulatory properties, promote regeneration of the intestinal epithelium, lower the pH of the colon and inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The article presents up-to-date information on the mechanisms of action of dietary fibers on the intestinal mucosa and on the effectiveness of the use of different types of dietary fiber in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.