Most Americans consume only half of the 25-35g recommended daily allowance (RDA) of dietary fibre, according to recent statistics from the American Diabetic Association. Benefiber, a new easy-to-swallow product from Novartis Consumer Health, could help redress the balance.
Dr. Geoffrey G. Ross, former medical advisor to the UK Department of Health and currently director of medical affairs at Novartis Consumer Health, said: "Clinical research has demonstrated that adequate fibre can contribute to a number of health benefits, including maintaining regularity. It is found primarily in minimally processed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. To get the daily recommended dosages of fibre, consumers should eat substantial portions of these foods every day. The failure of most Americans to do so has caused a fibre deficit."
He continued: "American lifestyles are more fast-paced and on-the-go than ever, leaving some people little time to eat the recommended portions of these foods. Others can't or simply don't enjoy eating large portions of these foods everyday."
Dr Ross cited a recent survey which showed that most Americans know about the benefits of fibre, and also that they do not consume enough of it. Most could also name foods which were a good source of fibre, but only a third said they were willing to eat enough of them to meet the RDA.
"The survey indicates that Americans know they need more fibre in their diets, but they aren't willing to eat the foods necessary to get that fibre. They are looking for a simpler solution to get the fibre they need."
One of the ways of ensuring adequate fibre intake is to take a supplement, and Novartis has just launched a new product, Benefiber, which it claims is easier to swallow than many rival products. Benefiber is a 100 per cent natural powder supplement made from partially hydrolysed guar gum (derived from the seed of the cluster bean) which dissolves completely when mixed with beverages and soft foods.
Dr Ross claimed that Benefiber delivered three grams of soluble fibre per tablespoon (four grams) and that it could be incorporated into a regular diet. Consumers can take a serving of Benefiber up to three times a day, giving them up to half of the RDA for dietary fibre, he said.