A new article in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine highlights a major nutrition shortfall: despite broad awareness of fiber’s health benefits, only about 5% of Americans meet daily recommendations. To understand why, experts convened at a Food & Fiber Summit, identifying common misconceptions and outlining clear strategies to help consumers recognize true fiber sources and increase their intake.

Study Overview

Decades of research show that adequate fiber supports digestive health and reduces the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. Yet most Americans consume far below the Institute of Medicine’s recommended 19 to 38 grams per day, averaging just 16 grams. 

Drivers of this gap include confusion about fiber-rich foods, misperceptions that personal intake is sufficient, and food trends - such as gluten-free diets - that often reduce fiber intake. The Food & Fiber Summit brought together researchers and nutrition communicators to identify these barriers and develop practical, consumer-friendly messaging.

Key Findings

Summit experts identified three core communication strategies:

• Keep guidance simple and specific, such as checking labels for 3+ grams of fiber per serving.
• Lead with food and flavor by highlighting appealing, fiber-rich meals rather than focusing on nutrient terminology.
• Broaden the health message to emphasize benefits beyond digestion, including heart and metabolic health, while normalizing temporary digestive changes as intake increases.

Experts also called for clearer dietary guidance and more consistent messaging to support behavior change.

Why It Matters

Many consumers believe they already get enough fiber and recognize its benefits for digestion, weight, heart health, and blood sugar. Yet only a small fraction actually meets recommended intake. Confusion about fiber content, overreliance on whole-grain labels, and negative perceptions about taste, cost, or preparation all contribute to the persistent gap.

Takeaways

To help close America’s fiber gap, health professionals can:

• Clarify true fiber sources by teaching consumers to read Nutrition Facts labels and choose foods with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
• Highlight flavorful, fiber-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
• Communicate fiber’s full range of benefits for heart, metabolic, and digestive health.
• Address common concerns, reassuring consumers that mild gas or bloating is normal when increasing fiber intake.

Improved education and consistent messaging can help more Americans meet fiber recommendations and support long-term health.

Read the Research: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. Closing America’s Fiber Intake Gap. July 7, 2016. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6124841/