Dietary fiber by HPLC for low molecular weight and high molecular weight dietary fiber

The Significance of Dietary Fiber:

Dietary fiber refers to the parts of plant-based foods that resist digestion and absorption in the small intestine. This unique property allows fiber to reach the colon largely intact, where it undergoes fermentation by gut bacteria. The benefits of dietary fiber are manifold, including improved bowel movements, enhanced glycemic control, reduced cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Low Molecular Weight Dietary Fiber:

Low molecular weight dietary fiber mainly consists of soluble fibers that dissolve in water to form a gel-like substance. Common sources of low molecular weight fiber include oats, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. This type of fiber has been associated with various health benefits, such as stabilizing blood sugar levels, promoting satiety, and aiding in weight management. Analysing low molecular weight dietary fiber is crucial for assessing its content in food products and understanding its impact on nutritional labelling and health claims.

High Molecular Weight Dietary Fiber:

On the other hand, high molecular weight dietary fiber primarily comprises insoluble fibers that do not dissolve in water. Examples of high molecular weight fiber sources include whole grains, bran, and many vegetables. This type of fiber adds bulk to the stool, facilitates regular bowel movements, and aids in preventing constipation. High molecular weight fiber is particularly important for its role in maintaining gut health and preventing digestive disorders.

Importance of testing

Market overview

In 2021, the Global Dietary Fiber Market was valued at approximately USD 8,184.50 million. It is projected to witness substantial growth and reach around USD 15,143.65 million by the year 2028. This growth signifies a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10.80% during the period from 2022 to 2028.

Regulations and standards

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has not specifically provided separate standards for low molecular weight and high molecular weight dietary fiber analysis by HPLC. However, FSSAI has set general standards for total dietary fiber analysis, which encompasses both low and high molecular weight fiber components.
• The FSSAI has defined the method for the determination of total dietary fiber in foods in its manual of methods of analysis of foods. According to this manual, the AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) method 991.43 or AOAC method 2009.01 can be used for the analysis of total dietary fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber fractions.
• These methods typically involve enzymatic hydrolysis of the sample to remove proteins, followed by acid and enzymatic treatment to remove non-fiber carbohydrates. The remaining residue, which consists of dietary fiber, is then quantified using gravimetric or chromatographic techniques, including HPLC.
  
  

HPLC: Revolutionizing Dietary Fiber Analysis:

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) has emerged as a powerful tool in the field of dietary fiber analysis. It allows food services testing companies to differentiate and quantify low molecular weight and high molecular weight dietary fiber components accurately. HPLC separates the various fiber fractions based on their molecular weights and provides precise measurements, enabling food manufacturers to accurately label the fiber content of their products.

By utilizing HPLC, food services testing companies can evaluate the exact composition of dietary fiber in different food matrices. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the nutritional profile of foods, enabling manufacturers to make informed decisions during product development and formulation. Moreover, HPLC analysis of dietary fiber aids in complying with regulatory requirements, ensuring that food labels are accurate and meet the necessary guidelines.

Promoting Health through Accurate Dietary Fiber Analysis:

Accurate measurement and analysis of low molecular weight and high molecular weight dietary fiber are paramount to promoting healthier food choices. Food services testing companies equipped with advanced HPLC technologies play a crucial role in ensuring that consumers are provided with reliable information regarding the fiber content of various food products. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their dietary choices, leading to improved overall health and well-being.

Eurofins role in testing dietary fiber by HPLC for low molecular weight and high molecular weight dietary fiber

Eurofins, a leading global food testing and analysis company, plays a significant role in testing dietary fiber by HPLC for low molecular weight and high molecular weight dietary fiber. Eurofins offers comprehensive services in dietary fiber analysis, helping food manufacturers, producers, and regulatory bodies ensure accurate and reliable measurements of fiber content in food

Eurofins Analytical Services India, located in Bangalore, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving recognition from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program. This makes Eurofins the first laboratory in Asia to receive such recognition.

References

1. Ohkuma K, Matsuda I, Katta Y, Tsuji K, Ohkuma K, Matsuda I, Katta Y, Tsuji K. New method for determining total dietary fiber by liquid chromatography. J AOAC Int. 2000 Jul-Aug;83(4):1013-9. PMID: 10995131.
2. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/07/25/2485229/0/en/Demand-for-Global-Dietary-Fiber-Market-Size-Rise-at-10-80-CAGR-by-2028-Value-to-Cross-US-15143-65-Million-Says-Facts-Factors.html
3. https://www.eurofins.com/media-centre/newsletters/food-newsletter-nr45-july-2014/dietary-fibre-analysis/

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