Inulin and Oligofructose

Inulin and Oligofructose: What Are They?

An excellent review article covering the nutritional and prebiotic (promotes growth of good bacteria in large intestine) properties of these two fibers.

Fiber and CRP

Came across this so just putting it out there.  It's a meta study of 7 clinical trials in which fiber was studied or reported.  In 6 of 7 CRP was reduced.  One study involving just psyllium showed no effect.

The effects of dietary fibre on C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker predicting cardiovascular disease

Conclusions: In the presence of weight loss and modified saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat intakes, significantly lower CRP concentrations (25–54%) are seen with increased fibre consumption 3.3 g/MJ). Mechanisms are inconclusive but may involve the effect of DF on weight loss, and/or changes in the secretion, turnover or metabolism of insulin, glucose, adiponectin, interleukin-6, free fatty acids and triglycerides. Clinical studies of high- and low-fibre diets are needed to explore the potential favourable effects as observed epidemiologically, and to understand individual susceptibility to its anti-inflammatory effect and long-term cardiovascular reduction.

Unfortunately for those interested, full text is not free.