Dietary Fibre Intake in Australia. Paper I: Associations with Demographic, Socio-Economic, and Anthropometric Factors

Abstract

Dietary fibre is important for regular laxation and reduces chronic disease risk. The National Health and Medical Research Council outlines daily fibre intake targets, yet the proportion of the population that meets these targets is unknown. Using the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, we profiled fibre intake among Australian children and adults. Data from one-day dietary recalls were analysed (n = 12,153, ≥2 years) as well as demographic and anthropometric factors. The median fibre intake was 18.2 g (interquartile range [IQR] 13.2–25.0) in children and 20.7 g (IQR 14.3–28.7) in adults. We found that 42.3% (95% CI 40.5–44.1%) of children and 28.2% (95% CI 27.3–29.1%) of adults met the Adequate Intake (AI), and less than 20% of adults met the Suggested Dietary Target (SDT) to reduce the risk of chronic disease. Older children (aged 14–18 years), girls, young adults (19–30 years), males, and those of lower socio-economic status were less likely to meet the AI (p < 0.001). Those with a higher energy intake were more likely to meet the AI. Anthropometric measures were not associated with fibre intake or the likelihood of meeting the AI. Fibre is a nutrient of concern in Australian diets, with most children and adults falling short of recommendations. Adolescents, girls, young adults, men, and those of lower socio-economic status were less likely to meet the recommendations and may benefit most from public health interventions.

Differences in dietary fibre intake and associated familial factors in a longitudinal study at two time points across adolescence

“…Poor family functioning, non-Caucasian race, being aged 17 years and male sex were associated with lower dietary fibre intake, while a high intake was associated with increasing levels of parental education and high energy consumption. The inadequate dietary fibre intake seen in the majority of 14-and 17-year-old adolescents in the present study is consistent with what is observed in the Australian population and much of the Western world (5,6) . Other research analysing 2011-2012 national survey data of the Australian population showed that less than 30 % of adolescents aged 14-18 years met the dietary fibre intake guidelines (6) .…”

“…The inadequate dietary fibre intake seen in the majority of 14-and 17-year-old adolescents in the present study is consistent with what is observed in the Australian population and much of the Western world (5,6) . Other research analysing 2011-2012 national survey data of the Australian population showed that less than 30 % of adolescents aged 14-18 years met the dietary fibre intake guidelines (6) . While the proportion of Raine Study adolescents meeting the guidelines (between 33 and 50 % depending on age and sex) was higher than was seen in the national survey data, this may be due to potential overestimation of dietary fibre intake by the FFQ as seen in validation studies (25,27) .…”

Food processing: criteria for dietary guidance and public health?

“…For example, categorising corn or wheat starch as a PCI n but whole grain bread and cereals as UPF n does not make sense in terms of many nutrients. Whole grain/ enriched/fortified breads are the leading sources of whole grain and fibre and are components that are underconsumed (95)(96)(97)(98)(99)(100)(101) . Consumption of enriched/fortified RTEC was, in a meta-analysis of sixty-four studies, associated with healthier dietary patterns and more fibre and whole grains intake, despite higher intakes of total sugars (94) .…”

Proximate and phenolic composition of selected native Australian food plants

“…alba and C . rossii in this study highlights their usefulness as possible candidates for inclusion in foods with minimal fibre contents to meet the Australian recommended daily intake of 28 g and 38 g for women and men, respectively (Fayet‐Moore et al , ).…”