In the UK, only 9% of adults 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.
Said Dr. Kavita Karnik, Global Head of Nutrition and Regulatory Affairs, Tate & Lyle: “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.”
Added Amy Glass, UK Diet and Health Policy Manager, Food and Drink Federation: “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 & Lyle on board!” For more visit tateandlyle.com
