Mineral balance in adult men: effect of four refined fibers.

Eleven men consumed a basal diet alone and with cellulose (Na-carboxymethylcellulose, locust bean gum, or karaya gum) added at 7.5 g fiber per 1000 calories for 4 wk each. Food, urine, and fecal composites were collected during the last 8 d of each feeding period. Bowel transit time was not significantly affected; however, total dry fecal weight was significantly increased after the refined fibers compared with that after the basal diet. Adding refined fibers to the basal diet did not significantly affect apparent mineral balance of calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, or zinc, with the exception of a negative mineral balance for manganese with carboxymethylcellulose. Karaya gum had a mean positive balance for all minerals tested. These results indicate that the hypocholesterolemic effect of the fibers that form gels occurs without compromising mineral balance in those subjects consuming Recommended Dietary Allowance levels of the minerals studied.