Dietary fibers affecting gastrointestinal immunity

Dietary fibers, including chitin, have a major impact on gastrointestinal (GI) physiology and immunity. Two recent articles, by Parrish et al. and Kim et al., credit depletion of dietary fibers or supplementation with chitin, with negative and positive effects, respectively, on the immune system of the murine digestive tract. This has relevant implications for food allergies and systemic metabolism.

Automated summary

Dietary fibers, including chitin, have significant effects on gastrointestinal physiology and immunity. Depletion or supplementation of dietary fibers can have negative or positive effects on the immune system of the murine digestive tract, which is relevant to food allergies and systemic metabolism.