Skip to Content

Soluble vs. insoluble fiber

Alternative Names

Insoluble vs. soluble fiber; Fiber - soluble vs. insoluble

Information

There are two different types of fiber -- soluble and insoluble. Both are important for health, digestion, and preventing diseases.

  • Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. This slows digestion. Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. Soluble fiber has been scientifically proven to lower cholesterol, which can help prevent heart disease.
  • Insoluble fiber is found in foods such as wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains. It adds bulk to the stool and appears to help food pass more quickly through the stomach and intestines.

See fiber.

References

Burleson K. Coronary artery disease. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 28.

Park D, Ring M. Peripheral vascular disease. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 29.

Underbakke G, McBride P. Dyslipidemias. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 40.

Hanaway P. Irritable bowel syndrome. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 41.

Review Date: 8/22/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850

Submit an Online Information Request