Would Cellulose Be Considered a Dietary Nutrient?

Anoop Kumar Srivastav and cellulose do not have direct nutritional value to humans, b/c we lack enzymes that can digest cellulose and brake down in to sugars. Cellulose is a type of polysaccharide plant fiber composed of carbohydrate that is not digested by the human enzyme and doesn't absorbed by the human body.

Is cellulose considered a dietary fiber?

Insoluble dietary fibers include cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, cutin, suberin, chitin, chitosan, and resistant starches. Generally, the sources of dietary fiber contain both types of dietary fiber but in different proportions. Major sustainable sources of dietary fiber are cereals, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

Why is cellulose a dietary fiber?

Cellulose is also an insoluble fiber and does not dissolve in water. When consumed, insoluble fibers can help push food through the digestive system and support regular bowel movements (2). In addition to their role in healthy digestion, dietary fibers like cellulose may promote health in other ways.