Closing America's Fiber Intake Gap: Communication Strategies From a Food and Fiber Summit.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and expert consensus summit summary without new empirical or randomized trial data.
PubMed 30202317 · doi:10.1177/1559827615588079
What was done
Researchers, educators, and communicators convened at the Food & Fiber Summit in Washington, DC, on January 28, 2014. The group analyzed dietary intake patterns, evaluated consumer misperceptions regarding dietary fiber, and formulated communication strategies to help nutrition and health educators bridge the fiber consumption gap.
What was found
National consumption surveys indicate that only approximately 5% of the population meets dietary fiber recommendations, despite widespread public awareness of its health benefits and an erroneous self-belief that personal intake is adequate. Key consumer misconceptions identified were beliefs that all whole-grain products are high in fiber, and that fiber-rich foods are unpalatable, expensive, and difficult to prepare. The summit recommended concise communication strategies, including advising consumers to check nutrition labels and promoting flavorful, accessible high-fiber options.
Why it matters
Despite recognized health benefits for cardiovascular, metabolic, and digestive conditions, adequate fiber intake remains extremely low in the general population. This report outlines practical communication strategies for educators and clinicians to address specific misconceptions that impede fiber consumption.
Limits
The abstract describes an expert consensus and narrative conference summary without testing the efficacy of the proposed communication strategies in randomized or controlled trials. Quantitative survey details and participant numbers are not specified in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports 95% of people do not consume the recommended daily amount of dietary fiber.
- supports 95% of Americans do not consume enough dietary fiber.
- supports Approximately 95% of people do not consume sufficient dietary fiber.