• Project Resources

    The following position paper was developed:

    • Position Paper - Health Implications of Dietary Fiber
      Abstract
      : It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that the public should consume adequate amounts of dietary fiber from a variety of plant foods. Populations that consume more dietary fiber have less chronic disease. In addition, intake of dietary fiber has beneficial effects on risk factors for developing several chronic diseases. Dietary Reference Intakes recommend consumption of 14 g dietary fiber per 1,000 kcal, or 25 g for adult women and 38 g for adult men, based on epidemiologic studies showing  protection against cardiovascular disease. Appropriate kinds and amounts of dietary fiber for children, the critically ill, and the very old are unknown. The Dietary Reference Intakes for fiber are based on recommended energy intake, not clinical fiber studies. Usual intake of dietary fiber in the United States is only 15 g/day. Although solubility of fiber was thought to determine physiological effect, more recent studies suggest other properties of fiber, perhaps fermentability or viscosity are important parameters. High-fiber diets provide bulk, are more satiating, and have been linked to lower body weights. Evidence that fiber decreases cancer is mixed and further research is needed. Healthy children and adults can achieve adequate dietary fiber intakes by increasing variety in daily food patterns. Dietary messages to increase consumption of high-fiber foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables should be broadly supported by food and nutrition professionals. Consumers are also turning to fiber supplements and bulk laxatives as additional fiber sources. Few fiber supplements have been studied for physiological effectiveness, so the best advice is to consume fiber in foods. Look for physiological studies of effectiveness before selecting functional fibers in dietetics practice. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108: 1716-1731. (PDF)

     


     

     

  • Project Team

    The following individuals contributed their valuable time and expertise to this project:

    Workgroup Members

    • Suzanne G. Martin, PhD, RD, Chair
    • Peter L. Beyer, MS, RD, LD
    • Cynthia L. Payne Moore, MS, RD, CDE, FADA
    • Abigail E. Schubert,  RD, LDN, CNSD
    • Dianne Van Treeck, MS, RD, LDN,CDE

    Project Manager

    • Kay B. Howarter, MS, RD, LD

    Lead Analysts

    • Maureen B. Huhmann, MS, RD (resigned February 2008)
    • Carol J. Klitzke, MS, RD, CD

    Evidence Analysts

    • Jeannette Beasley, MPH, RD
    • Josh Brown, MS, RD
    • Suzanne Brodney-Folse, PhD, RD
    • Eric Ciappio, MS, RD
    • Diane DellaValle, MS, RD
    • Mary Tiffany Graham, MPH, RD, LD
    • Alida M. Herling, MPH, RD
    • Helen W. Lane, PhD, RD
    • Christiane L. Meireles, PhD, RD, LD
    • Elizabeth Palmer-Reed, MPH, RD
    • Sandra Schlicker, PhD, RD
    • Jennifer, Shoemaker, MS, RD, LDN
    • Winfred Yu, MS, RD

    Association Positions Committee Workgroup

    • Helen. W. Lane, PhD, RD
    • Moya Peters, MA, RD

    Academy Staff

    • Deborah Cummins, PhD
    • Kay Howarter, MS, RD, LD
    • Kari Kren, MPH, RD
    • Esther F.Myers, PhD, RD

    Financial Contributor

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics


    Disclosures of Potential Conflicts of Interest: In the interest of full disclosure, the Academy has adopted the policy of revealing relationships workgroup members have with companies that sell products or services that are relevant to this topic. Workgroup members are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest by completing the Academy Conflict of Interest Form. It should not be assumed that these financial interests will have an adverse impact on the content, but they are noted here to fully inform readers.

    • Diane Van Treeck - self-employed and employed as an adjunct instructor at Palm Beach Community College;is a member of the Academy, ADBA and AADE; authored Soluble Fiber and Serum Lipids: A Literature Review JADA 1994;94:425-436.
    • Peter L. Beyer - employed with University of Kansas Medical Center
    • Abigail Schubert - employed with the Hershey Medical Center and the Balance Well-fit Center