What is the Difference Between Dietary Fiber and Crude Fiber?

The main difference between dietary fiber and crude fiber lies in their composition and how they are derived from plant-based foods.

Dietary Fiber:

• Dietary fiber is the sum of both soluble and non-soluble fiber groups found in plant-based foods.
• It is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, mucilage, and gum.
• Dietary fiber is resistant to hydrolysis by human alimentary enzymes and is not broken down by the body.
• It plays an important role in maintaining bowel health, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

Crude Fiber:

• Crude fiber is the residue of plant food left after extraction by dilute acid followed by dilute alkali.
• It is primarily composed of cellulose and lignin.
• Crude fiber is considered nutritionally obsolete and is not used in nutritional recommendations anymore.
• It is still used in some cases, such as pet food and animal feed, but it's rarely used in relation to human nutrition and food.

In summary, dietary fiber is the indigestible portion of food derived from plants, which includes both soluble and non-soluble fiber groups, while crude fiber is a residue found in the edible portion of the plant cell wall, primarily composed of cellulose and lignin. Dietary fiber is the focus in human nutrition, whereas crude fiber is considered outdated and is not commonly used in nutritional recommendations.

Comparative Table: Dietary Fiber vs Crude Fiber

The main difference between dietary fiber and crude fiber lies in their composition and solubility. Here is a table comparing the two:

Dietary fiber is the sum of both soluble and non-soluble fiber groups, and it can be either soluble or non-soluble in water. Some dietary fibers are subjected to fermentation inside the digestive system, providing health benefits such as improved digestion. Crude fiber, on the other hand, is a part of insoluble fiber found in the edible portion of the plant cell wall. It is not soluble in water and has no nutritional value. The main health benefit of crude fiber is that it facilitates regular bowel movement.