New government statistics reveal that almost all of UK adults get no where near the amount of fibre they need in their diets.  The latest findings suggest that the average person consumes just 16g a day which is just over half the recommended 30g.  Now, Linwood’s Health Foods and GP, best-selling author and TV doctor, Dr Amir Khan are calling on the nation to wake up to the UK’s “fibre gap” and take action before poor dietary habits become a bigger threat to long-term health. 

 

Patrick Woods, Managing Director of Linwood’s Health Foods comments, “Just 4% of adults are currently hitting the recommended daily fibre intake. The picture is equally concerning among young people, with 96% of 11–18-year-olds also failing to meet daily recommendations. We have a real fibre deficit in the UK.” 

 

Foods containing at least 6g of fibre per 100g can be labelled ‘high fibre’, while those containing at least 3g per 100g can be described as a ‘source of fibre’. The British Dietetic Association recommends checking nutritional labels when comparing products.

 

Increasing fibre intake too quickly can cause bloating, gas and abdominal discomfort. The British Dietetic Association recommends gradually introducing more fibre and drinking sufficient fluids to help the digestive system adjust. 

 

A high-fibre diet is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. Fibre also helps prevent constipation and supports healthy

 

The NHS advises that some people with irritable bowel syndrome may find certain cereals and grains cause bloating. Fibre from fruit and vegetables may be better tolerated by some people, so dietary advice needs to account for individual digestive symptoms.

 

The more fibre people manage to consume in their diet, the lower the risk they have of contracting many associated health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.  Having a lack of fibre remains one of the biggest nutritional gaps in the British diet and the figures have prompted Dr Khan to urgently encourage Brits to look more closely at one of the most under represented parts of the British diet. 

 

Dr Khan comments, “Fibre is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet, yet the vast majority of adults in the UK aren’t getting enough of it. Small changes to our everyday eating habits can make a real difference.” 

 

If we look at the population as a whole, the average UK adult is barely getting half the amount of fibre they need to manage their daily lives.  This can lead to them developing many avoidable conditions such as constipation and bowel cancer.  A new product range is being developed to make it easier for people to hit their fibre and protein targets. 

 

The new supplement provides an 8g fibre boost and is designed to be stirred in to porridge, yoghurt, smoothies or savoury dishes. 

 

Dr Khan continues, “Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean completely changing your diet, it’s about making small, sustainable changes that work for you. Linwood’s new Boost range offers a simple, convenient way to add more fibre and protein to the foods we already enjoy.” 

 

Linwood’s advises starting below the full 20g serving and building up over one to two weeks, always mixing it into food or liquid rather than eating it dry and drinking around 300ml of fluid with each serving. Other ways Brits can increase their fibre is by swapping white bread for wholegrain, adding seeds to breakfast, eating more pulses and increasing fruit and vegetables.

 

The Boost range is available from Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Holland & Barrett, Dunnes Stores, Whole Foods, Grape Tree, Ocado and Booths.

Both products are gluten free and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.