Quantitative studies on faecal bulking and ion balance with Fiberform

Abstract

The addition of the wheat-based, low phytate, high fibre supplement, Fiberform (Testa Triticum Tricum) to the diet of patients being treated for obesity by caloric restraint with a low calorie liquid diet produced a significant increase in faecal bulking without affecting weight loss. It did not significantly impair the absorption of essential metal ions. Ion balance studies for calcium and zinc were performed on 9 patients who remained in approximate balance over the four week study period. Thus any direct binding of mineral ions to the fibre residue was minimal and of no clinical significance. There was evidence that the addition of Fiberform to the test diet increased the excretion of bile acids.