In the UK, only 9% of adults1 currently eat the recommended amount of fibre daily, which the UK government set at 30g a day. The FDF’s Action on Fibre initiative has been launched to help consumers ‘bridge the gap’ between fibre intake and the dietary recommendation to help improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Tate & Lyle is a leader in dietary fibres, with its PROMITOR® Soluble Fibre and STALITE® Polydextrose product ranges, and is committed to using its fibre expertise , combined with investment in cutting-edge research and use of high-end ingredient production facilities, to help food and beverage manufacturers develop products that harness the health benefits of fibre and give consumers the taste and texture they love.
Through the Action on Fibre initiative, Tate & Lyle has pledged to continue to promote the benefits of increasing intake of fibre and the importance of gut health through its thought leadership, communication initiatives and ongoing engagement with industry experts, healthcare professionals and food and beverage manufacturers.
Dr. Kavita Karnik, Global Head of Nutrition and Regulatory Affairs at Tate & Lyle, said: “Today’s health-conscious consumers are actively looking for foods and drinks that are fortified with nutrients such as fibre. Fibre does so much more than simply promote healthy bowel function. It can help prolong the feeling of fullness, support gut health, regulate blood cholesterol, glucose and insulin levels and help the immune system function properly. We want to help spread the word about fibres’ health and nutritional benefits and that's why we are today pledging to take action on fibre by investing in research projects, supporting health care professionals, food reformulators and the industry with more evidence-based information, and to use our digital channels to spread the word.”
Consuming the recommended amount of fibre daily can be difficult without also consuming substantial calories, and it is especially challenging for certain groups, like the elderly. Reformulation can be a tool for improving public health as it allows individuals to consume products they prefer while reducing intake of less desirable nutrients, such as sugars and fats, and potentially increasing intake of beneficial nutrients such as dietary fibre.
Amy Glass, UK Diet and Health Policy Manager, at the Food and Drink Federation, added: “The FDF has long called for a more holistic approach to government nutrition policy, believing there should be a more balanced approach to not just what people need to reduce in their diets, like sugar, calories and salt, but also what should be increased, like fruit, vegetables and fibre. This industry led initiative aims to make higher fibre diets more appealing, normal and easy for the population. It is great to have Tate and Lyle on board!”
1 The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: results from years 9 to 11 (2016 to 2017 and 2018 to 2019)
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