Effect of Dietary Fiber from Soybean Hull on the Recovery of Diarrhea in Rats

In this study, we evaluated the recovery effects of dietary fiber extracted from soybean hulls on diarrhea in rats. Diarrhea-induced Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided randomly into 4 groups and fed experimental diets for 24 hours. The diets, based on the AIN93G diet, were as follows: CON (control diet), S-COTL (67.2 g/kg soybean cotyledon fiber diet), S-HULL (59.6g/kg soybean hull fiber diet), CHI (55.6g/kg chicory fiber diet). The results showed significant (10-20%) reductions of fecal water content in the CON and S-HULL groups, as compared to the S-COTL and CHI groups. The change in serum osmolality, a measure of dehydration symptoms, was significantly reduced in CON and S-HULL as compared to the S-COTL and CHI groups. Based on the results, it is suggested that soybean hull fiber functions well for diarrhea recovery in rats. Consequently, soybean hull fiber is an important food source that could be used as a medical food in patients suffering from diarrhea.