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American Health Foundation Releases Study Suggesting Teenagers And Young Adults Aren't Getting Enough Fiber |
SourceAmerican Health Foundation ForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsRelated ArticlesBeverages Play Important Role in Child NutritionRead It Before You Eat It Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
VALHALLA, N.Y, April 7, 1997 -- Teenagers and young adults fail to eat enough fiber each day to help ward off diseases and chronic illnesses, according to new research being presented at the Experimental Biology 97 scientific meeting in New Orleans. The American Health Foundation recommends that the minimum amount of dietary fiber needed each day for children three years of age and older is the child's age plus five grams of fiber -- better known as AGE + 5. This guideline is now being recommended by health professionals and organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy and Spain. Research shows that children who meet this guideline have improved laxation, are better able to manage their weight, and reduce their risk of illnesses such as hypercholesterolemia. The research unveiled to nutrition research scientists and other health professionals attending the Experimental Biology meeting showed that from ages 3 to 8 children are eating enough fiber each day to meet the AGE + 5 guidelines. But fiber consumption begins to become inadequate starting at age 9 and continually declines over the years. By age 20, young adults eat a little more than just half the recommended 25 grams of fiber each day. And dietary habits formed in childhood and adolescence affect the future health of the adult. The data showed that the decline in fiber intake could be attributed to changes in children's eating habits. As the children aged, they ate less fruits, vegetables, and breakfast cereals, which are all good sources of dietary fiber. "This data is startling when you think about how easy it is to incorporate more fiber into children's diets," said Dr. Christine Williams, director, Child Health Center, American Health Foundation. "What we are talking about is having children start each day with a wheat bran fiber breakfast cereal along with some fruit." Williams stated that the research shows a greater emphasis is needed in the United States on getting more children to follow the AGE + 5 guidelines. Two years ago next month, the foundation brought together the world's leading experts in childhood nutrition and fiber research for a conference, sponsored by Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) in which the AGE + 5 guidelines were developed. CONTACT: Stacey Antine of Porter Novelli, 212-872-8153 |
