AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
Fibre.
Full specification wording
Diet and nutrition and their effect on physical activity and performance: Fibre.
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by human enzymes.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 6
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by human enzymes. It adds bulk to the diet, promotes satiety, and helps regulate bowel function by preventing constipation and reducing the risk of diverticular disease. There are two main types: soluble fibre, which can help lower blood cholesterol and slow glucose absorption, and insoluble fibre, which adds bulk and speeds transit. The UK guideline for adults is about 30 g per day. Athletes should increase fibre gradually alongside adequate fluid to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort during exercise.
For example: A high-fibre breakfast of porridge with berries provides soluble and insoluble fibre.
What earns the marks
- Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by human enzymes.
- Soluble fibre can help lower blood cholesterol and slow glucose absorption.
- Insoluble fibre adds bulk and speeds transit through the gut.
- The UK guideline for adults is about 30 g per day.
- Athletes should increase fibre gradually alongside adequate fluid to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort during exercise.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Misunderstanding: fibre is a source of energy.
Put it right: Fibre is largely indigestible and contributes little to energy intake, though some soluble fibre can be fermented by gut bacteria.
Misunderstanding: all fibre is the same.
Put it right: Soluble and insoluble fibre have different roles; soluble fibre can lower cholesterol and slow glucose absorption, while insoluble fibre adds bulk and speeds transit.
Misunderstanding: a high-fibre diet is always best for athletes.
Put it right: Too much fibre too close to exercise can cause gastrointestinal discomfort; athletes should adjust timing and amount.
Misunderstanding: fibre is only important for older adults.
Put it right: Fibre is important for all age groups for digestive health and satiety.
Exam tips
- Learn the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre and give an example of each.
- Remember the UK daily guideline of about 30 g for adults.
- When answering an MCQ, check whether the question asks about health benefits, sources, or effects on exercise.
- Be prepared to explain why athletes might need to moderate fibre intake before competition.
Try the lesson
The start of the Diet and nutrition and their effect on physical activity and performance: Fibre. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which nutrient is the main indigestible carbohydrate component of foods such as wholegrain bread, oats and beans, and helps to keep the digestive system working efficiently?
Listen
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by human enzymes. It adds bulk to the diet, promotes satiety, and helps regulate bowel function by preventing constipation and reducing the risk of diverticular disease. There are two main types: soluble fibre, which can help lower blood cholesterol and slow glucose absorption, and insoluble fibre, which adds bulk and speeds transit. The UK guideline for adults is about 30 g per day. Athletes should increase fibre gradually alongside adequate fluid to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort during exercise. For example, a high-fibre breakfast of porridge with berries provides soluble and insoluble fibre. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by human enzymes. Soluble fibre can help lower blood cholesterol and slow glucose absorption. Insoluble fibre adds bulk and speeds transit through the gut. The UK guideline for adults is about 30 g per day. A common slip: Misunderstanding: fibre is a source of energy. Instead, fibre is largely indigestible and contributes little to energy intake, though some soluble fibre can be fermented by gut bacteria. Exam tip: Learn the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre and give an example of each.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Fibre
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Soluble fibre
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Insoluble fibre
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Satiety
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See every definition
- Fibre
- A type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by human enzymes, adds bulk to the diet, promotes satiety and helps regulate bowel function.
- Soluble fibre
- A type of fibre that can help lower blood cholesterol and slow glucose absorption.
- Insoluble fibre
- A type of fibre that adds bulk and speeds transit through the gut.
- Satiety
- A feeling promoted by fibre, which adds bulk to the diet.
Label the diagram
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1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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