Prior to publication of the 2016 Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Label Final Rule, existing FDA regulations did not define “dietary fiber.” Under the revised rule, isolated or synthetic non-digestible carbohydrates may only be included in dietary fiber declarations if FDA determines them to have “physiological benefits”. The final rule named seven isolated or synthetic fibers that met this requirement:
- Beta-glucan soluble fiber
- Psyllium husk
- Cellulose
- Guar gum
- Pectin
- Locust bean gum
- Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose
After reviewing petitions and scientific literature surrounding twenty-six isolated or synthetic non-digestible carbohydrates, FDA determined that the eight additional fibers demonstrate the required physiological benefits.
