Bridging the fibre gap

DATA highlights the fact that the majority of consumers still need help when it comes to ensuring that they have the sufficient amount of fibre in their diets. Following a review of global fibre intake results, the BENEO-Institute has found that only six countries out of 27 analysed^[1] are consuming the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended daily fibre intake of at least 25 grams of total dietary fibres from wholegrain cereals, fruits and vegetables per day^[2]. In Singapore, the Health Promotion Board recommends a dietary fibre intake of 10g per 1000 kcal; this works out to about 20 grams a day for women and 26 grams a day for men^[3]. Consequently Singapore is the only country in the Asian region where consumers eat even more fibre than recommended.

Table 1: A literature review related to publications on estimated fibre intake levels across 27 countries^[4].  Key Asian-Pacific statistics shown below:

* World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended daily fibre intake is at least 25 grams of total dietary fibres from wholegrain cereals, fruits and vegetables per day.

** Fibre intake referring to the whole population

Fibre is recognised as primarily essential in the daily diet for healthy bowel function. Moreover, a large amount of evidence now shows that a high consumption of dietary fibres is associated with the following: a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and constipation, a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, maintenance of adequate weight or weight loss in overweight subjects and the possible reduction of risk of colon cancer and hypertension.  

Prebiotic fibres

Prebiotics, such as the chicory-derived inulin and oligofructose from BENEO, are proven to contribute to healthy nutrition. These dietary fibres allow a selective increase of bifidobacteria – beneficial micro-organisms. They help to build a stronger, healthier digestive system and enhance immune functions – after the fermentation process in our large intestine. Oligofructose and inulin help to partially replace sugar and fat in a formulation respectively. Inulin and oligofructose provide only 2kcal/g. By reducing the calorie amount in food and beverages, they contribute valuably to weight management efforts as well. Additionally, prebiotic fibres play a pivotal role in achieving the goal of helping consumers eat less. Including a greater amount of prebiotic fibres in a daily diet can also help to control an individual’s blood glucose levels by replacing high glycaemic carbohydrates and hence, lowering the glycaemic profile of the final product.

Easy high fibre breakfasts

Consumer demand in Asia for healthy, tasty, convenient breakfasts is prompting the region’s food industry to explore the potential of breakfast drinks, like yogurt style drinks, which are already popular in European markets^[5]. The increasing popularity of dairy^[6] in Asia confirms that yogurt drinks should be well received by a market that is only getting busier. At the same time, although most people in Asia are aware of the beneficial role of dietary fibre, they still generally find it hard to incorporate a sufficient amount in their diet. Tapping into the trend, responsible food and drink manufacturers can play a significant role in addressing Asia’s fibre deficiency. They are already stepping up to make it easier for consumers to meet their daily dietary fibre intake. BENEO’s prebiotic fibres can be easily formulated into yogurt drinks, without compromising on taste. Also, due to their high solubility, they can be easily formulated in all kinds of beverages to enhance the products’ digestive health benefits while maintaining the smooth and creamy texture.

The next generation breakfasts

While there seems to be consensus that breakfast is an essential meal for a healthy and balanced lifestyle, many people in Asia tend to be too stretched for time to sit down and have a proper meal in the morning -- much less taking the time to prepare it. Breakfast drinks formulated with BENEO’s naturally derived prebiotics may be the next best option to help people with busy lifestyles maintain their nutritional needs, reduce sugar load and boost fibre intake at the same time.

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1 BENEO-Institute Windows to Science, Edition 1, 2011, ‘The dietary fibre gap’

2 WHO, 2002

3 Healthexchange, 2014, ‘Are you eating enough fibre?’

4 BENEO-Institute Windows to Science, Edition 1, 2011, ‘The dietary fibre gap’

5 Market research.com http://www.marketresearch.com/Food-Beverage-c84/Food-c167/Breakfast-Foods-c480/

6 Dairy reporter.com http://www.dairyreporter.com/Markets/Which-nations-are-the-dairy-growth-markets-of-tomorrow