Delayed or malabsorbed dietary components, specifically carbohydrates,
may have significant implications in the pathogenesis
and treatment of metabolic disorders. This is of particular
importance at a time when the incidence of the metabolic syndrome,
obesity, and diabetes continue to rise inWestern societies
(1). Dietary carbohydrates that are slowly digested and require
less insulin for their disposal may benefit those with impaired
carbohydrate tolerance. Fermentable carbohydrates that are not
digested enter the colon, where they are available for bacterial
fermentation and alter the environment by enhancing SCFA
production (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). In addition,
bioactive substances such as phytoestrogens may be converted to
more active forms, and their absorption from the colon may be
enhanced (2).