This study aimed to determine some digestive-functional and nutritional properties from dried-refined apple pomace (AP). Wheat bran (WB), a conventional dietary fiber source currently used in human nutrition, was considered as a standard for comparison. Total dietary fiber, including the insoluble and soluble fractions of AP were 91.91%, 82.27% and 9.64%, respectively. Other nutrients were protein (8.20%), lipid (0.57%) and minerals (2.04%). Dietary fiber contents in standard WB was 43.69%, a value less than a half of AP. Digestive-functional and nutritional properties of each AP or WB were similar only in the proportion of 5% of fiber source in the feed, except for faeces density. High proportion in the rat feed of 15% or 25% resulted in significant differences, AP having the greatest effects on defecation frequency, faecal weight and density, while WB had the greatest effect on the faecal bulk. The quantity available in the apple industry and the quality of the dried-refined apple pomace evaluated from in vitro and in vivo determinations suggest a use as an edible fiber for humans. This new fiber source can be incorporated into both, normal and digestive-functional food products.
apple; refined pomace; dietary fiber; wheat bran
