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The Question
05/07/09 02:44 PM

"Since fiber can't be absorbed into the bloodstream, why do we not subtract the entire amount from the carb count regardless of whether there are 5?"
Asked By: fiercekitten  
Category: Food and Nutrition

Background Info Hide
Have been calculating my total carbs this way. BS went from 397 in the A.M. to 147 so far. And from 305 in the P.M. to 128 so far.

Expert Answers (1)

05/08/09 01:06 PM

Thanks for writing dLife. You pose a very good question and fiber is quite an interesting topic when it comes to diabetes. there are 2 main types of fibers- soluble and insoluble. The soluble fibers come from the inside of cell walls of plants, and is also found in foods such as oats and beans as well as fruits and vegetables. The insoluble fibers come from the husks or outside of plant cells and are not digested - they pass through our body unchanged. Total fiber found in different foods may contain both, and since soluble fiber is partially digested, we need to account for the carbohydrate contribution. So the general rule of subtracting partial amounts of fiber content over 5 grams seems to be the best way to estimate the glycemic effect. However, as we know everyone's body differs in response to carbohydrate intake and fiber intake so the best way to determine what works for you is by blood glucose testing. I would encourage you to continue eating high fiber foods, as whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables offer many other protective nutrients along with dietary fiber
Answered By: Janice Baker
Accreditations: B.Sc., MBA, RD, CDE, CNSC
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