Are You Getting Your Fill of Fiber?

1. The NFC recommends 32 grams of fiber for a healthy adult (Dr. James Anderson, professor of Medicine and Clinical Nutrition and NFC chair)
2. According to Columbia University Institute of Human Nutrition, the average American barely consumes half of the recommended amount of fiber needed per day (10-15)
3. In fact, based on the Institute of Medicine's "Dietary Reference Intakes," only 10 percent of Americans are getting the recommended amount of fiber in their diets (Annals of Internal Medicine)
4. Its no surprise that so few Americans are getting the recommended amount of fiber in their diets. According to a 2005 survey conducted by the National Fiber Council (NFC), most Americans aren't familiar with foods that are high in fiber
   
   
   • 53 percent consider steak to be a significant fiber source (most meat products contact little or no dietary fiber)
   • One in four believe whole grain breads are not a significant fiber source
   • 42 percent believe potato chips contain a significant amount of fiber
   
   The NFC survey also yielded the following findings:
   
   
   • Only slightly more than half of respondents (53 percent) correctly identified fiber as being able to lower blood cholesterol, prevent heart disease and manage weight
   • 60 percent of respondents never talk with their health care provider about fiber
   • One in five has no idea how much fiber they consume on a daily basis
   • Only 22 percent know the daily recommended amount of fiber
5. Those following a low-carb plan have an even lower fiber intake, as many are cutting back on or eliminating fruits, vegetable, and grains from their diet (Annals of Internal Medicine)
6. The average low-carb dieter consumes only seven to eight grams of fiber a day (Annals of Internal Medicine) approximately 24 grams short of the minimum recommended 32 grams per day