"Fecal bulk" refers to the amount and consistency of stool (feces) in the digestive system. It indicates how well-formed and full the solid waste is before being eliminated from the body.
Full definition
As a result of this rise
in fecal bulk material, the weight of stools increase, and therefore the fecal frequency also increases.
Fiber speeds digestive transit time by adding to fecal bulk [7].
Compared to the low fiber control, the wheat bran supple - ment
increased fecal bulk by 96 Â ± 14 g / d (p < 0.001) and the mean for both resistant starches was 22 Â ± 8 g / d greater (p = 0.013).
Jenkins DJA, Vuksan V, Kendall CWC, Wursch P, Jeffcoat R, Waing S, Mehling CC, Vidgen E, Augustin LSA, Wong E. Physiological effects of resistant starches
on fecal bulk, short chain fatty acids, blood lipids and glycaemic index.
High doses of resistant starch (28 - 60 grams / day) have shown improved regularity (increased
fecal bulking with softer stools), and reduced secondary bile acids, ammonia and phenolics.
Insoluble fiber is associated with
fecal bulking through its water - holding capacity, whereas soluble fiber ferments, positively affecting colon health through production of SCFA, lowered pH, and potential microbiota changes.
Increased
fecal bulk due to undigested carbohydrates and subsequent increased water loss, colonic gas and added weight has been shown to affect performance and slow racing speed in athletes.
Fermentable dietary fibers
increase fecal bulking, increases bacterial mass, and dispose of the nitrogen that otherwise would be excreted through the kidneys.
Seaweeds may reduce the risk of poisoning from environmental pollution by providing fiber that increases
fecal bulk and also reduces cholesterol levels.
Thus, consumption of FOS may help to shorten fecal transit time, increase
fecal bulk and reduces constipation.
Fiber's main roles are related to gut health, intestinal motility /
fecal bulk (how quickly / much you poop) and removal of toxic byproducts via the colon.
In one study, participants were given 15 grams of inulin per day for two weeks and found that they had a significant increase in stool frequency and
fecal bulk (2).
Generally speaking, all constipated cats will benefit from an increase in fecal water content but the main question is: Do we want to increase
fecal bulk (increase in diameter) with a soluble fiber?