How Much Fibre Is Enough?

How Much Fibre Should We Eat Each Day?

In the UK estimated nutrient requirements are based upon the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) report from the early 1990’s.  The Committee suggested that the average intake of fibre should be 18g/day with an individual range for adults between 12-24g/day (British Nutrition Foundation 2006).  However the Committee also recommended that children’s intakes of NSP should be less than this (British Nutrition Foundation 2006). 

In contrast the American Dietetic Society current RDA for men is 30-38g per day and women 21-25g per day.  According to their research it would seem the average American only eats half of the recommended amount of daily fibre.

References

British Nutriton Foundation (2006) Nutrients requirements and recommendations. http://www.nutrition.org.uk/home.asp?siteId=43&sectionId=414&subSectionId=320&parentSection=299&which=1#1008

American Dietetic Association (2006) Dietary fibre: An important link in the fight against heart disease.  http://www.eatright.org/ada/files/Metamucil_Fact_Sheet.pdf