Study Shows: Young Austrians Consume Far Too Few Fibers

Austrians seem to consume far too few dietary fibers daily with their diet. In an Innsbruck study with more than 800 participants around the age of 22, this value was about half of the recommended minimum amount, according to the scientific work now published in the journal "Foods".

"Dietary fibers play a crucial role in regulating body weight and metabolic health. Despite their benefits, fiber intake remains suboptimal. This study examined the relationship between fiber intake, BMI, and fiber sources among young Austrian adults with higher education," wrote Maria do Carmo Greier (ENT University Clinic/Innsbruck) and the co-authors (doi: 10.3390/foods14223863).

Dietary Fibers Are an Important Food Component

Dietary fibers are an important component of a healthy diet and play a fundamental role in many aspects of human health, according to the experts. These components of the diet belong to carbohydrates and are mainly found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. "There are two main types of dietary fibers: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers dissolve in water and help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels, while insoluble fibers increase stool volume and promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support digestion," the scientists noted.

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of at least 30 grams of dietary fibers per day for those over 19 years of age of both genders. As the Innsbruck study authors point out, both the guidelines of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and expert panels in German-speaking countries recommend between 25 and 35 grams of dietary fibers per day (World Health Organization/WHO: at least 25 grams).

The reality is quite different. The experts: "Many consume less than half of this amount, contributing to what is now referred to as the fiber gap. This deficiency is associated with rising rates of chronic diseases, systemic inflammation, and a weakening of the gut-immune interface. Consuming fiber-rich foods can enrich the gut microbiome, strengthen immune defenses, improve metabolic function, and reduce disease risk throughout the lifespan. Furthermore, low fiber intake is strongly associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity - conditions that are now widespread globally."

Innsbruck Study: Young Adults as Subjects

In the new study, Innsbruck scientists collected data on the daily fiber intake of 813 subjects last spring. There were 96 men and 717 women. The average age was just over 22 years. They were students.

The main findings, according to the study authors in their summary: "The average daily fiber intake of the participants (813) was 15.72 grams per day. Overweight individuals consumed significantly less fiber (13.18 grams per day; note) than those of normal weight (16.09 grams per day; note)." Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of up to 25 primarily obtained their fiber from fruits, vegetables, and legumes, while the overweight group consumed more potatoes and white bread. Fiber intake also negatively correlated with BMI - the less fiber intake, the higher the body weight.

93.1 percent of the study participants consumed less than 25 grams of fiber per day. Only 6.9 percent consumed more than 25 grams. "Low fiber intake is widespread among young adults and is associated with a higher BMI. The results suggest that not only the amount but also the quality of fiber sources plays a role in weight status," the experts noted. Interventions to improve fiber intake through targeted education and a healthier dietary environment would be a promising strategy to promote the health of young adults.

(APA/Red)

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