GLOSSARY

Resistant Dextrin has a structure allowing a substantial fraction to resist small-intestinal digestion. Some products are used as soluble fibre, but properties and labelling recognition depend on the specific ingredient and assessment method.

Dextrin, dextrose and resistant dextrin sound similar but are different concepts. Dextrose is D-glucose; dextrins are mixtures of chains produced by modifying starch, and only certain specifically structured types resist digestion. Identifying rapid fuel or fibre requires the exact ingredient and the particular product information.

Dietary fibre comprises components resistant to small-intestinal digestion and absorption, with definitions and analytical methods differing between authorities. Some definitions admit isolated or manufactured carbohydrates when beneficial physiological effects are demonstrated. Being non-digestible alone does not automatically qualify an ingredient as declared fibre in every labelling framework.

Solubility, viscosity and fermentability are separate properties. Inulin can be soluble, low-viscosity and readily fermented; psyllium forms gels but is generally less fermented. Two ingredients described as soluble fibre therefore need not produce the same intestinal consistency, gas production or post-meal response.