− | '''Fibre is not considered an essential nutrient''', but both soluble, viscous, fermentable fibres and insoluble, non-viscous, non-fermentable fibres are '''important for normal physiologic function of the gastrointestinal tract'''. Depending on the type and amount of dietary fibre present, it can help regulate gastrointestinal motility and provide a source of nutrients for commensal colonic bacteria, which in turn can improve colonic function. | + | '''Fibre is not considered an [[Nutrition Glossary#Essential Nutrients|essential nutrient]]''', but both soluble, viscous, fermentable fibres and insoluble, non-viscous, non-fermentable fibres are '''important for normal physiologic function of the gastrointestinal tract'''. Depending on the type and amount of dietary fibre present, it can help regulate gastrointestinal motility and provide a source of nutrients for commensal colonic bacteria, which in turn can improve colonic function. |