*2.2.2 Function*

Fibers are fermented and produced short-chain fatty acids in the colon that provide important health benefits. Some fibers are manufactured and added to food products to provide similar health benefits without adding calories called functional fibers. These are cellulose, polydextrose, maltodextrin, and inulin. There are several potential health benefits of the consumption of dietary and functional fibers. Fibers reduce the incidence of constipation [8], irritable bowel syndrome [9], lower cholesterol, and reduce the incidence of coronary and cardiovascular heart diseases [10], prevent obesity [11] and diabetes [12], avoid colon cancer [13], and increase survival in breast cancer [14]. However, there are some adverse effects of excessive intake of dietary fiber, such as intestinal obstruction (in susceptible individuals), dehydration (due to a fluid imbalance), increase in intestinal gas, resulting in distention and flatulence, and reduced absorption of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and calories from the gut [15].
