What is functional fiber?

Functional fiber refers to dietary fiber that has been extracted from plants or synthetically manufactured and is added to foods for its beneficial health effects. Specifically, it is included to promote intestinal health, aid digestive processes, and provide therapeutic benefits beyond its basic structural in foods. The key characteristic of functional fiber is its intentional inclusion in food products to enhance health outcomes, such as improving bowel regularity and overall gut function.

Whole grains, while a good source of natural fiber, primarily contain a mix of soluble and insoluble fibers and do not qualify as functional fiber unless specific ingredients are added for targeted health benefits. Similarly, while fibers that dissolve in water, like soluble fiber, have health benefits, being soluble alone does not define functional fiber since not all soluble fibers are added for specific health purposes. Indigestible fiber found in vegetables contributes to dietary intake but is categorized as dietary fiber rather than functional fiber, as it isn't isolated and added to foods in the same context.