In Table 4, the cation-exchange capacities of the FRFs (35.3–50.3 meq/kg) were significantly greater than that of the cellulose (22.7 meq/kg). As the cation-exchange capacity is related to the uronic acid content of a fibre, the stronger ion binding capacity of the FRFs relative to cellulose might be attributed to the presence of uronic acids (3.04–3.61 g/100 g FRF) (Table 3). As described by Furda (1990), fibres of higher cation-exchange capacity could entrap, destabilize and disintegrate the lipid emulsion, consequently decreasing the diffusion and absorption of lipids and cholesterol in the small intestine.