A New Method for Calculating Dietary Fiber Content and Determining Appropriate Dietary Fiber Levels in Foods

Abstract

Calculation of dietary fiber quantity (content or amount) at 100 mL or 100 g, 100 kcal, or the reference amount customarily consumed (RACC) improperly indicates the quantity of dietary fiber for some foods. So, choosing some foods in accordance with those quantities may raise the risk of some chronic diseases. Calculation of dietary fiber quantity and assessment of proper dietary fiber levels in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the suggested method were accomplished in 8,027 foods. Choosing some foods in accordance with the CAC at 100 g or CAC and FDA at serving (the serving is taken from the RACC) to attain enough dietary fiber overstepped energy necessities and could cause obesity or overweight. Choosing some foods in accordance with the CAC at 100 g or CAC at 100 kcal to attain enough dietary fiber did not fulfill dietary fiber necessities and could cause dietary fiber deficits. Some foods that fulfilled dietary fiber necessities were not proper food options in accordance with the CAC at 100 g to attain enough dietary fiber. In the suggested method, the calculation of dietary fiber quantity and assessment of proper dietary fiber levels in foods are accomplished with consideration of RACCs and the energy quantity of foods. Hence, choosing foods in accordance with the suggested method fulfilled dietary fiber necessities and did not overstep energy necessities.

Keywords

• Dietary fiber deficiency
• Adequate dietary fiber
• Dietary fiber-rich foods
• Dietary fiber-poor foods
• Obesity
• Overweight