Study finds 83 per cent of Australians lack enough fibre

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 10:24 · Archive

A study shows 83 per cent of Australians are not getting enough fibre in their diet.

A study by the charity Doctors For Nutrients has found that 83 per cent of Australians are not getting enough fibre in their diet. This is despite Australia having the world's highest rate of bowel cancer in the under-50s age bracket. Australians are recommended to consume between 25 and 30 grams of fibre per day, but research shows most people fall well below this.

The findings are notable given the country's current obsession with protein. The study shows that 98.5 per cent of Australians are already getting enough protein in their diet, with protein-focused snack bars and supplements becoming increasingly common. DFN chief executive Rebecca Stonor said: 'Protein has become the answer to almost every nutrition question, but for most Australians, protein is not the problem. The more important question is: where do you get your fibre?'

Experts say the focus on protein-heavy diets may be contributing to fibre deficiencies. Stonor noted that struggles to meet fibre recommendations could stem from Australians turning their backs on multigrain products and favouring white bread over wholemeal. 'Whole grain foods that have high fibre contents have gone out of favour recently,' she said, calling for greater awareness of the benefits of adequate fibre intake.

How it is being reported

• More than 80 per cent of Australians aren’t getting enough fibre, study showsA nutrition study has found that 83 per cent of Australians are failing to get enough of a key nutrient — and it isn’t protein.Perth Now · 11 Oct, 09:56
• More than 80 per cent of Australians aren’t getting enough fibre, study showsA nutrition study has found that 83 per cent of Australians are failing to get enough of a key nutrient — and it isn’t protein.The West Australian · 11 Oct, 09:56

In this story: Doctors For Nutrients · Rebecca Stonor · Australia

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