The role of carbohydrates in lower gut function

A brief overview summarizes and discusses the metabolic fate of dietary carbohydrate in the human gut and its fermentation to short-chain fatty acids and various gases. Specific attention is given to the differences in the fermentation behavior of non-starch polysaccharides, sugars, and starch. The fate of short-chain fatty acids and the significance of carbohydrate fermentation products in the colon are described. The dietary intake and fecal excretion of cellulose and non-cellulosic polysaccharides under various dietary regimes also are covered.(wz)