Fibre

Non-soluble

Non-soluble fibre contains zero calories as it is not absorbed by the body in any way.

Inulin typically provides 1.5 calories per gram.
Pectin typically provides 3.25 calories per gram.
Sorbitol typically provides between 2.5 and 3.4 calories per gram which is why it is often used in diet foods and sugar-free products such as sweets (candy) and chewing gum

Soluble fibre of any kind provides the following potential benefits;

as a prebiotic, it provides food and/or a substrate (a surface to grow on (like soil)) for your gut bacteria, in particular the beneficial kind such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli - these bacteria;
- fend off unwanted pathogens (bad bacteria)
- prevent infection
- stimulate your immune system
slowing digestion/metabolism (thus slowing glucose/sugar intake when eating simple carbohydrates which in turn may reduce blood glucose/sugar spikes) as well as giving your body more time to absorb other nutrients in the food you eat
increasing fullness/satiation (lowering the risk of overeating)
reducing cholesterol absorption as it passes through the digestive tract
enable your body to better absorb calcium.
adding bulk to your stools
increasing the frequency of your bowel movements
lowering your colon cancer risk
increasing the effectiveness of and reducing the symptoms of antibiotic use

This is particularly useful if you are also consuming probiotics.

Created: 2026-08-01

Last Updated: 2026-08-03