Most dietitians know that fiber is a nutrient of concern and estimate that 80-90% of their own clients don’t get enough of it, according to a recent survey of 659 registered dietitians.1

However, they are more optimistic than what the facts show. In actuality, 95% of Americans don’t get the fiber they need.2 Fortunately, Kellogg’s Nutrition has tools and resources that were created to help address this shortfall.

RDs Tell Us About Fiber

In the survey, taken at the 2011 American Dietetic Association’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in San Diego, 98% of dietitians knew that fiber was called out as a nutrient that Americans need more of by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The dietitians seem to know this from first-hand experience. Of those who responded, 90% said that just 10-20% of their clients meet their daily fiber needs.

Dietitians attributed this shortfall in fiber intake to several factors, which they ranked in the following order:

1. Consumers think fiber is only needed if you have "regularity" problems
2. Negative taste and texture perceptions associated with fiber
3. Consumers don't understand or believe in the health benefits

When asked what would help Americans meet their daily fiber goals, respondents ranked the following as most helpful:

1. Adding fibers to foods that people already eat
2. Food companies making high-fiber foods that taste better
3. Providing more education on the health benefits of fiber

Why is fiber so important? When asked the number one health benefit of fiber for Americans, 38% of dietitians said digestive health and regularity, followed by:

• Weight management (25%)
• Heart health (20%)
• Blood glucose regulation (7%)
• Other, including cancer prevention (10%)

Look for these new Kellogg’s fiber-containing products coming to a store near you in January 2012

All of these resources and more can be found on our Healthcare Professional nutrition website, www.kelloggsnutrition.com/professional.