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December 19, 2023

6 Trends in Fiber Intake Among Young Adults Revealed

Discover how fiber intake patterns in young adults vary across different countries, focusing on diet quality and health impacts.

Xam Richie

The dietary habits of young adults, particularly their fiber intake patterns, play a crucial role in shaping long-term health outcomes.

This article explores the diverse fiber consumption trends among university students globally, underscoring the importance of fiber-rich diets in maintaining optimal health.

It delves into the nutritional patterns prevalent in different cultural contexts, highlighting the variations and commonalities in young adults' dietary habits across various countries.

This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the international landscape of dietary fiber intake, emphasizing its significance in young adults' nutrition.

Main Findings

Dietary fiber intake among university students from Spain, Tunisia, and the USA was studied.
The average fiber intake was 17.8g, not reaching the recommended intake.
American participants had the highest fiber consumption and BMI.
The main fiber sources were cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruit.
Fiber intake was independent of smoking habits and physical activity in all countries.
There's a need to improve guidelines on fiber intake for better consumer understanding.

Overview: Importance of Fiber in Young Adults' Diet

The association between fiber intake and health outcomes first gained attention in the 1970s when diseases like diverticulitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids were observed in Western countries but not in Africa .

This shift was attributed to changes in dietary habits, moving away from traditional diets towards Western ones.

Consequently, dietary guidelines began promoting increased daily fiber intake .

Today, it's widely accepted that fiber plays a crucial role in intestinal health , and a fiber-rich diet is linked to the prevention of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers .

Recent studies have also shown that factors like lifestyle and body measurements mediate the connection between fiber-rich diets and chronic disease risk .

Young adults are particularly vulnerable to these diseases due to their independent lifestyles and limited knowledge of healthy food choices .

To combat this, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) have included fiber intake recommendations in dietary guidelines .

Fiber consumption patterns are considered an indicator of diet quality .

Despite variations in the definition of fiber , most literature follows the Institute of Medicine's definitions , which consider total fiber as the sum of dietary and functional fiber.

Different types of fiber can have varying effects on health .

Currently, there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for fiber, but Adequate Intake (AI) suggests a daily total fiber consumption of 14 g/1000 Kcal for adults of both genders.

Understanding fiber structure is essential, as fermentability, related to chemical properties, affects satiety and laxation .

Fiber also acts as a carrier of phytochemicals and influences gut microbiota, contributing to its positive effects on chronic diseases .

Recent studies emphasize the importance of considering food sources when studying fiber's health properties .

Young adults face unique challenges in maintaining adequate fiber intake due to factors like price, taste, convenience, and trends, often leading to the consumption of sugary, fatty, and low-fiber foods .

The transition to independent living can exacerbate this issue, especially for those with limited cooking skills .

Epidemiological studies show that diseases of affluence can manifest in young adults earlier than expected, highlighting the need for early adoption of healthy dietary habits .

This is particularly crucial for university students, seen as an important target group for promoting healthy lifestyles .

While many studies have explored food patterns and their relationship to diseases in the general population, research on fiber intake in young adults is still limited.

Few studies have simultaneously examined dietary patterns in young adults from different countries with similar demographics and education but varying environments (social, geographic, cultural, and economic) .

Tunisia, Spain, and the USA, with their different levels of development and socio-cultural characteristics, significantly influence their food patterns.

In Tunisia, a low-middle-income country, urban areas are experiencing a decline in fiber consumption alongside an increase in globalization-related chronic diseases .

Spain, traditionally known for its Mediterranean diet, is seeing lower total fiber consumption than recommended .

In contrast, the United States, following a Western dietary model, promotes strategies to increase fiber intake .

Recent research in these countries shows a decrease in fiber consumption among young adults compared to older age groups .

How the Study Was Conducted

The Setup: Exploring Dietary Patterns

In 2013, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among students at the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) in Albacete, Spain, the University of Carthage (UCA) in Tunisia, and Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, FL, USA.

The survey adhered to the ethical principles outlined in the WMA Declaration of Helsinki for medical research involving human subjects.

Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and the research projects received approval from the respective Ethics Committees:

University of Castilla-La Mancha (Albacete Campus), Spain: The project titled "Food habits of college students" was approved by the Ethics Committee at the University Hospital Complex of Albacete (CEIC), Act No. 02/13, dated January 29, 2013.

Florida International University, USA: The project titled "Food habits of college students" was approved by CEIC, Act No. 10/13, dated October 28, 2013, and FIU Institutional Review Board (IRB-13-0231), dated June 26, 2013.

Tunis Virtual University and the University of November 7 at Carthage (Tunisia): The project titled "Food habits in a university population" was approved by CEIC, Act No. 11/13, dated November 25, 2013.

This research laid the foundation for investigating the patterns of fiber intake among college students across these three diverse countries.

Who Participated? A Look at the Demographics

The study employed stratified sampling, selecting students from various degree courses at these campuses.

To be eligible for inclusion, participants had to meet certain criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

Enrolled at one of the three universities in 2013.

Aged between 18 and 30 years.

Willing to voluntarily participate in the survey.

Accepted and signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

Failure to complete all survey data.

Presence of acute diseases affecting diet during the survey.

Additionally, exclusion limits were set based on recommended energy intake levels:

Males whose daily energy intake was higher than 4000 Kcal/day or less than 800 Kcal/day.

Females whose daily energy intake was higher than 3500 Kcal/day or less than 500 Kcal/day .

These stringent criteria ensured that the study focused on young adults within the specified age range and maintained consistency across the three university campuses.

The research aimed to delve into the intricate fiber intake patterns among college students in diverse geographical and cultural settings.

Gathering Data: Understanding Eating Habits

In the study, participants provided self-reported information through a questionnaire encompassing various aspects:

Demographic Data: Participants shared details such as their gender and age.

Anthropometric Measurements: Information about weight and height was collected.

Weight-Loss Diet: Participants indicated whether they were following a weight-loss diet, with options for 'yes' or 'no.'

Smoking Habits: Smoking habits were categorized into three groups: non-smoker, those who smoked ≤5 cigarettes/day, and those who smoked >5 cigarettes/day.

From the gathered anthropometric data, the researchers calculated the Body Mass Index (BMI) for each individual.

Based on their BMI values, participants were classified into four categories:

Underweight: BMI < 18.5

Normal Range: 18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.9

Overweight: 25 ≤ BMI ≤ 29.9

Obese: BMI ≥ 30 .

The study employed a rigorous dietary data collection process, involving two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls, including one weekend day.

During these recalls, participants meticulously documented all food and beverage consumption.

Trained dietary nurses provided guidance on completing the questionnaires, administered them, and reviewed the recorded data.

To assist in estimating portion sizes, participants were shown images of household measures and a Visual Guide .

To determine energy and nutrient intake, the Dial program 3.3.5 (Alceingenieria, Madrid, Spain) was utilized.

The researchers calculated the Physical Activity Level (PAL) for individuals, which quantified their physical activity about daily energy expenditure.

PAL classifications included:

Sedentary: 1.0 ≤ PAL < 1.4

Low Active: 1.4 ≤ PAL < 1.6

Active: 1.6 ≤ PAL < 1.9

Very Active: 1.9 ≤ PAL < 2.5 .

Daily fiber intake for each subject was meticulously calculated, considering various food groups such as cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits and nuts, dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, sugar, sweets and pastries, fat and oil, non-dairy beverages, prepared and precooked meals, snacks, sauces, spices, and condiments.

The assessment relied on references including:

Tables and Dietary References of the Institute of Medicine

Tunisian and Spanish Food Composition Tables

USDA Nutrient Database .

In line with the recommended Adequate Intake (AI) of 14 g of fiber per 1000 Kcal for both genders , the study adopted a risk assessment approach.

Specifically, it considered three categories:

Students consume less than two-thirds of AI.
Students whose intake exceeded two-thirds of AI but was below AI.
Students who met or exceeded AI levels.

Crunching Numbers: The Analysis Approach

The study utilized IBM SPSS 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) for statistical analysis.

Descriptive statistics included medians (and interquartile ranges) and means (and standard deviations) for quantitative variables.

Proportions were used for qualitative variables.

The normality of distributions was assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests.

Statistical tests employed:

Student’s t test (with prior Levene’s test for variance equality) and Mann-Whitney U test for two independent samples.

Kruskal-Wallis test (with Dunn post hoc method) for comparisons among multiple independent samples.

Jonckheere-Terpstra trend test for trend analysis when applicable.

Chi-square test (χ2) and likelihood ratio test for proportion comparisons.

Correlations assessed with Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Significance level set at p < 0.05

Key Findings on Fiber Intake Patterns in Young Adults

A study was conducted involving 730 students from the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), the University of Carthage (UCA), and Florida International University (FIU).

The participants were aged 18 to 30 and met specific inclusion criteria.

The average age was 21.2 years, with a majority being non-smokers and not on weight-loss diets.

The study revealed differences between genders, with males having higher energy intake and higher percentages of overweight and obesity.

Daily total fiber intake was around 18 g, with variations between genders and countries.

Cross-country analysis showed significant differences in lifestyle habits, including total energy intake, total fiber intake, smoking habits, physical activity, and weight-loss diets.

American students had the highest fiber intake, while Mediterranean students consumed less fiber.

Fiber mainly comes from cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.

Most participants did not reach the recommended adequate intake (AI) of fiber.

Cereals were the primary source of fiber, followed by vegetables and fruits.

In American students, nuts played a significant role in fiber intake.

Fiber intake from appetizers, ready-to-eat meals, and sauces and condiments varied between countries, with American students having higher intake from these sources.

What Does This Mean? Interpreting the Results

In an ever-changing world influenced by economic development and shifting food patterns, the study of fiber intake among young adults takes center stage.

Decreased fiber consumption, traditionally linked to new health risks, is a characteristic of these changing dietary patterns .

While fiber's benefits are well-known in terms of chronic diseases , recent research hints at its positive effects on other health conditions and overall mortality rates .

Consequently, the pattern of fiber intake is considered a vital indicator of diet quality , and international policy guidelines emphasize the importance of high-fiber food sources to meet dietary recommendations .

Factors Affecting Young Adults:

Young adults, influenced by trends and often relying on ready-to-eat meals due to factors like leaving home for university, are particularly susceptible to an unhealthy food environment .

Importantly, these dietary patterns tend to persist into adulthood .

In light of this, scientific interest in fiber and its food sources is growing, as long-term health benefits may depend on them .

Therefore, understanding the fiber intake patterns in young adults plays a crucial role in shaping their future health.

Global Study on Fiber Patterns:

A recent study examined the quality of diets based on fiber patterns in young adults from the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), the University of Carthage (Tunisia), and Florida International University (USA).

This study is unique because it explores young adults with different cultures and incomes, living in countries at different levels of development across three continents.

Cultural and Economic Impact:

Economic development has led to shifts in food consumption, impacting health .

This shift is characterized by a transition from traditional, healthier food habits to unhealthier Western diets with reduced fiber intake and increased saturated fat and sugar from ready-to-eat meals.

Young adults, influenced by advertising and cultural trends, are particularly susceptible to these rapid changes in dietary behavior .

Additionally, education level is closely linked to healthier eating habits .

This study aims to delve into the complex relationship between health and diet by analyzing populations with similar education levels and age ranges but varying cultural backgrounds and economic statuses .

Study Findings:

The study found that the diet quality of the young adults in all three countries was low, with participants not meeting the recommended fiber intake .

However, cultural and economic factors played a role in fiber intake patterns.

Surprisingly, students from Florida International University (USA) consumed more fiber than those from the Mediterranean countries, despite lower incomes.

The study also revealed that total fiber intake was influenced by energy intake but not by smoking habits or physical activity in any country.

Only among American participants did following a weight-loss diet impact fiber intake patterns.

Main Fiber Sources:

Across all countries, the primary food groups contributing to fiber intake were cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.

However, the distribution of these fiber sources varied by country.

Cereals provided the most fiber in all three countries, but vegetables were the second-largest source for Spanish and Tunisian students, while fruits held that position among American students.

In-Depth Analysis:

To gain comprehensive insights into dietary habits , the study analyzed fiber as a nutrient, identified food groups contributing to fiber intake, and explored overall dietary patterns.

Fiber as a nutrient

One out of ten participants meets the recommended fiber intake levels, which are set based on scientific evidence of the health benefits associated with fiber consumption .

This situation mirrors a global trend where fiber intake decreases as countries develop economically .

While this development alleviates poverty-related nutritional deficiencies, it also introduces new health risks.

Education level plays a role in this , with results aligning with similar studies among young adults in various countries, including Poland and Greece .

However, the survey found that total fiber intake was lower among young adults in the surveyed countries compared to other European adults .

Country-Specific Findings:

Surprisingly, the study found significant differences in mean fiber intake among the three countries studied, with American participants being the highest consumers of fiber.

This contradicts expectations, and it highlights the influence of income disparities among countries.

BMI and Fiber Consumption:

The study also underscores the impact of a country's economic development on Body Mass Index (BMI).

One-third of American participants were overweight, compared to one in ten Tunisians, with Spanish students falling in between.

Only 5% of American participants followed weight-loss diets.

Additionally, fiber consumption decreased as body weight increased among American students, particularly among overweight and obese females.

This gender-specific difference aligns with previous research in the US , where low-fiber and high-fat diets were associated with a higher risk of excess weight in women.

However, this association was not observed in Spanish, Tunisian, and non-overweight American participants.

BMI and Fiber Intake Correlation:

Across all countries, there was a negative correlation between BMI and fiber intake.

Despite the Western-diet consumption in the USA, American students had the highest mean BMI and the highest mean fiber intake.

This paradox can be attributed to differences in food sources resulting from economic development.

Energy Intake and Fiber Consumption:

Interestingly, the study found that fiber intake increased with energy intake in the students, regardless of their country and gender.

This is in contrast to some previous research that indicated a negative correlation between fiber intake and energy intake in females .

Food Groups Contributing to Fiber Intake

The key food groups contributing to our overall dietary fiber intake, including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.

Additionally, we examine the impact of lesser-known contributors like appetizers, ready-to-eat meals, and sauces and condiments on our health .

Diverse Fiber Sources:

Research has shown that not all fibers are created equal when it comes to health benefits.

Differences in factors like viscosity and fermentability can influence the impact of fiber on fecal weight.

For example, cereals and vegetables have similar effects on fecal weight, which are higher than the effects of fruit fiber .

Interestingly, high fruit consumption has been linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease among young Mediterranean individuals .

In this study, regardless of the country, cereals stood out as the primary source of consumed fiber.

It's worth noting the significant fiber intake from legumes, particularly string beans, among our American students, aligning with previous studies in various populations .

Variability in Fiber Sources:

While major food groups contributing to fiber intake show similar patterns among students, minor food groups reveal significant differences.

Notably, American students have high fiber intake from products like sauces and precooked meals, while Tunisian students have little to no intake from these sources.

These findings are important as fiber's health benefits may be compromised when it's added to less healthy foods.

Moreover, fiber-enriched snacks often contain higher percentages of energy from carbohydrates and added sugars, potentially counteracting their benefits.

Complex Food Relationships:

Fiber's role in the intricate web of nutrient interactions is essential.

It facilitates interactions among various food components, making it a critical component of a healthy diet .

Challenges in Fiber-Enriched Foods:

The inclusion of fiber in processed foods, like canned legumes, poses challenges .

While these foods may have high fiber levels, they may also contain unhealthy ingredients not present in fresh preparations.

This is particularly relevant to American students, where consumption of canned beans significantly contributes to the variations in fiber intake.

In Spanish students, differences in fiber intake mainly stem from cereal consumption, while Tunisian students' variations are primarily driven by differences in fruit intake, with a preference for natural whole fruits in Tunisia.

Analysis of dietary patterns

This section delves into the dietary habits of well-educated young adults, shedding light on how globalization and cultural factors influence their fiber intake patterns.

It uncovers some intriguing insights into the amount of fiber they consume and the primary sources of dietary fiber.

Despite their high level of education, these young adults fall short of recommended fiber levels across the studied countries.

However, it's interesting to note that in high-income countries, there's a greater awareness of the need for increased fiber intake to boost health.

A wide variety of affordable, fiber-enriched foods, such as snacks and bran breakfast cereals, are readily available and favored by young adults, likely contributing to higher fiber consumption .

Diverse Fiber Sources:

When we explore the less-considered contributors to fiber intake, such as appetizers, ready-to-eat meals, and sauces, striking differences emerge among participants.

These disparities highlight the influence of each country's distinct food environment, even within a homogenous group like well-educated young adults.

Fiber and Obesity Connection:

Obesity is a significant concern in the context of chronic diseases linked to economic development .

Fiber is associated with feelings of fullness , making the relationship between fiber intake and excess weight a compelling area of study .

Given the alarming rate at which young adults are gaining weight , this relationship takes on added importance.

Our findings confirm the impact of economic development on Body Mass Index (BMI), with significantly lower rates of obesity and overweight individuals observed among Tunisian participants compared to their American counterparts.

Chronic Disease and Fiber:

With the rise in chronic diseases and cancer-related deaths, understanding the effects of fiber intake becomes paramount .

This study provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the consequences of economic development and the interpretation of dietary guidelines .

Like previous research, this survey underscores the need to redefine the concept of fiber and explore the health effects of fiber from various food sources.

Consequently, further research in diverse populations, including young adults, is essential for shaping future dietary habits.

Final Thoughts: The Bigger Picture of Fiber Intake

The research reveals that none of the countries examined meet the recommended levels of fiber consumption.

Surprisingly, the diet quality, as determined by fiber intake, is higher among students from Florida International University (FIU) compared to Mediterranean students at the University of Carthage (UCA) and the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM).

This finding challenges the conventional belief that economic development leads to decreased fiber intake.

Moreover, the study highlights the influence of energy intake on total fiber consumption, irrespective of smoking habits or physical activity levels in all countries.

Primary Fiber Sources:

Across all countries, the primary sources of dietary fiber are cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.

Cereals emerge as the leading contributor to fiber intake in all three countries.

However, there are variations in the second-highest fiber source, with vegetables being the second group among Spanish and Tunisian participants, while fruits occupy the second spot among American participants.

Unveiling Dietary Differences:

The study uncovers significant differences when analyzing less-considered contributors to fiber intake, such as appetizers, ready-to-eat meals, sauces, and condiments.

Notably, students at FIU obtain nearly one-fifth of their total fiber intake from these sources, which is twice the percentage seen in UCLM students and seven times that among UCA students.

Study Scope and Limitations:

It's important to note that the conclusions drawn in this study pertain to the specific universities under examination in each country.

However, the study acknowledges its limitations, preventing the extrapolation of results to entire countries.

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6 Trends in Fiber Intake Among Young Adults Revealed

Main Findings

Overview: Importance of Fiber in Young Adults' Diet

How the Study Was Conducted

The Setup: Exploring Dietary Patterns

Who Participated? A Look at the Demographics

Gathering Data: Understanding Eating Habits

Crunching Numbers: The Analysis Approach

Key Findings on Fiber Intake Patterns in Young Adults

What Does This Mean? Interpreting the Results

Factors Affecting Young Adults:

Global Study on Fiber Patterns:

Cultural and Economic Impact:

Study Findings:

Main Fiber Sources:

In-Depth Analysis:

Fiber as a nutrient

Country-Specific Findings:

BMI and Fiber Consumption:

BMI and Fiber Intake Correlation:

Energy Intake and Fiber Consumption:

Food Groups Contributing to Fiber Intake

Diverse Fiber Sources:

Variability in Fiber Sources:

Complex Food Relationships:

Challenges in Fiber-Enriched Foods:

Analysis of dietary patterns

Diverse Fiber Sources:

Fiber and Obesity Connection:

Chronic Disease and Fiber:

Final Thoughts: The Bigger Picture of Fiber Intake

Primary Fiber Sources:

Unveiling Dietary Differences:

Study Scope and Limitations:

Was this article helpful?

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