Vezelvrije

Vezelvrije is a Dutch term used to describe foods or diets that contain no dietary fiber. It is primarily encountered in nutritional labeling and medical contexts. Dietary fiber refers to plant-based carbohydrates that resist digestion in the small intestine, including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and certain resistant starches. A vezelvrij product is marketed or prepared in a way that contributes little or no dietary fiber to the consumer’s diet. In practice, truly zero-fiber foods are uncommon; many refined or processed products are described as vezelvrij when their fiber content is minimal or when fibrous components have been removed.

Medical use: A vezelvrij or low-fiber diet is often recommended for people recovering from intestinal surgery, during flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease, or when symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea need to be managed. The goal is to reduce stool volume and intestinal irritation. Such diets are typically temporary and guided by healthcare professionals, with a transition to higher-fiber options as tolerated.

Labeling and regulation: In the Netherlands and the broader European market, nutrition labeling exists, and claims about fiber content are subject to regulation. The term vezelvrij is not universally standardized and can be used by manufacturers to indicate very low fiber content, while medical guidance remains the authoritative source for dietary restrictions. Consumers should rely on product labels and professional advice for appropriate use.

See also: Dietary fiber, Low-residue diet, Dutch nutrition labeling.