Radiolabeled fiber

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Abstract
We report here a study of radiolabeled cellulose as a marker for gastric emptying and intestinal transit of fiber in a dog model. A chemically stable radioisotopic label ( 131 I) was employed to facilitate external monitoring of the tracer. 131 I-labeled fiber was found to be biologically stable, since no iodine was absorbed during passage through the canine digestive system. In comparison with water-soluble tracers, gastric emptying of [ 131 I]fiber is very slow. This is consistent with the expected behavior of fiber as a nondigestible solid. We anticipate this new radiolabeled marker will prove to be a useful tool for studies on gastric emptying, intestinal transit, fate and actions of dietary fiber in nonruminant experimental animals and, eventually, in man.