An article by the US Department of Agriculture identified how dietary fiber information is the only labeling component to have seen an increase of 2 percent, over a ten year period from 1996 to 2006, when examining how frequent consumers use information on nutrition labels (Heller, 2008). This percentage may be a reflection of an increase in interest and a desire to be informed about whole grain foods and the many health benefits dietary fiber provides.
This blog was inspired by the seminar discussion from week 5 (limitations and strengths of sodium and nutrition labeling).
The DRI for fiber is 25g per day for women and 38g per day for males; yet the average consumption is much lower, ranging between 12 to 16g (Heller, 2008). Thus, in order to increase the average adult intake, it may be helpful to look at the usefulness of nutrition labels. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of labeling fiber on nutrition labels will be discussed.
An advantage to having fiber on nutrition labels is that it allows individuals to make healthier food choices by comparing the amount of dietary fiber in a product amongst another. Individuals should try to select high fiber foods, which contain 5g or more per serving or foods that are a good source of fiber, which contains 2.5 to 4.9g per serving (Anderson, Perryman & Young, 2007). Also, following a high fiber diet can help reduce the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Another advantage reflects the benefits to the fiber market; the US fiber market continues to grow and supports a competitive market in the food industry. The competitive market has become more dominant in the last 5 years. An example to illustrate the markets responsiveness is that General Mills is advertising its cereals are “Whole Grain Guaranteed” and as a good source of fiber.
While there are many advantages to labeling fiber in food products, there are also some disadvantages. For example, lay individuals may not be aware of how much fiber they should be consuming daily, thus items labeled as a high source of fiber may deceive consumers into thinking they are reaching their daily intakes. Another disadvantage is that produce often has a lot of fiber, however no labels. Therefore, some individuals may not realize that they could increase their fiber intakes by eating more of these products. Additionally, individuals may use the tool without accommodating for their specific needs, for example, the percent daily intakes are based on healthy adult recommendations. Thus, children and individuals with therapeutic diets need to learn how to modify these percentages and/or have an understanding of their needs in order to use the tool. In relation to the previous statement, lack of health literacy may inhibit some from using the tool.
As consumers start to become more aware of the benefits of fiber, food and drink manufacturers are seeking new sources of dietary fiber as functional ingredients, and new ways to add fiber to their products. We wonder how food industries will respond to consumers increasing interest in high fiber products….
This blog was inspired by the seminar discussion from week 5 (limitations and strengths of sodium and nutrition labeling).
The DRI for fiber is 25g per day for women and 38g per day for males; yet the average consumption is much lower, ranging between 12 to 16g (Heller, 2008). Thus, in order to increase the average adult intake, it may be helpful to look at the usefulness of nutrition labels. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of labeling fiber on nutrition labels will be discussed.
An advantage to having fiber on nutrition labels is that it allows individuals to make healthier food choices by comparing the amount of dietary fiber in a product amongst another. Individuals should try to select high fiber foods, which contain 5g or more per serving or foods that are a good source of fiber, which contains 2.5 to 4.9g per serving (Anderson, Perryman & Young, 2007). Also, following a high fiber diet can help reduce the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Another advantage reflects the benefits to the fiber market; the US fiber market continues to grow and supports a competitive market in the food industry. The competitive market has become more dominant in the last 5 years. An example to illustrate the markets responsiveness is that General Mills is advertising its cereals are “Whole Grain Guaranteed” and as a good source of fiber.
While there are many advantages to labeling fiber in food products, there are also some disadvantages. For example, lay individuals may not be aware of how much fiber they should be consuming daily, thus items labeled as a high source of fiber may deceive consumers into thinking they are reaching their daily intakes. Another disadvantage is that produce often has a lot of fiber, however no labels. Therefore, some individuals may not realize that they could increase their fiber intakes by eating more of these products. Additionally, individuals may use the tool without accommodating for their specific needs, for example, the percent daily intakes are based on healthy adult recommendations. Thus, children and individuals with therapeutic diets need to learn how to modify these percentages and/or have an understanding of their needs in order to use the tool. In relation to the previous statement, lack of health literacy may inhibit some from using the tool.
As consumers start to become more aware of the benefits of fiber, food and drink manufacturers are seeking new sources of dietary fiber as functional ingredients, and new ways to add fiber to their products. We wonder how food industries will respond to consumers increasing interest in high fiber products….
References
Anderson, J., Perryman, S., Young, L. (2007). Dietary Fiber. Colorado State University Extension, No. 9.333. Retrieved February 6, 2010, from http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/FOODNUT/09333.html
Heller, L. (2008). Fiber is most sought info on nutrition labels, USDA. Retrieved February 6, 2010, from http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Consumer-Trends/Fiber-is-most-sought-info-on-nutrition-labels-USDA
