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One in five Brits confess they are not getting enough fibre (Image: Will Ireland/PinPep / SWNS)
A new study has revealed a significant gap in the nation’s diet, with one in five Brits admitting they are not consuming enough daily fibre, and a quarter of adults unaware of where to find this essential nutrient. The research, based on a poll of 2,000 adults, found that nearly half (49%) don’t know the recommended daily fibre intake is 30g.
Recent findings have highlighted a notable deficiency in dietary habits across the UK, with 20% of individuals acknowledging they fall short of daily fibre requirements, while 25% remain unaware of how to source this crucial nutrient. This study, surveying 2,000 adults, revealed that nearly half (49%) are in the dark about the advised daily fibre intake of 30 grams.
There’s a considerable gap in understanding which foods contain fibre, with 16% unaware that sweet potatoes are a source. Furthermore, 30% don’t associate raspberries with fibre, and a surprising 47% are oblivious to its presence in dark chocolate.
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Common foods like sweet potatoes are a natural source of fibre (Image: Will Ireland/PinPep / SWNS)
Even avocados, known for their ‘healthy fats’, were not recognised as a fibre provider by over a fifth (21%) of respondents.The health consequences of this fibre deficit are often misunderstood.
The poll found that a staggering 66% of people didn’t realise symptoms such as mood swings and fatigue after meals could be linked to insufficient fibre intake. Other signs of a lack of fibre include low energy, brain fog, and constant hunger.
Even avocados, often praised for their beneficial fats, are overlooked as a fibre source by over 21% of those surveyed. The health implications of inadequate fibre consumption are frequently misunderstood.
The survey uncovered that an overwhelming 66% did not connect symptoms like post-meal mood swings and fatigue to insufficient fibre levels. Other indicators of fibre deficiency include low energy, mental fogginess, and persistent hunger.
“Sweet potatoes are a natural source of fibre and also provide key nutrients such as vitamin A and potassium. However, the research suggests many people still fail to recognise them as part of a fibre-rich diet.”
Beyond fibre, the poll highlighted wider dietary issues, revealing only 11% of the nation eats the recommended five-a-day from fruit and vegetables, and 53% feel overwhelmed by the fast pace of changing health trends.
Despite this, 42% believe people are paying more attention to nutrition than they did a decade ago, according to OnePoll.com figures.
Kevin Friel, spokesperson for Strong Roots Sweet Potato Fries, said: “So many people are at a loss when it comes to fibre. It’s a vitally important part of a healthy, balanced diet, and something nearly everyone could benefit from eating more of.”
He suggests an easy dietary change: “Making small meal swaps can really help boost fibre intake, you really can eat your chips for more fibre. Swapping regular white potato chips for sweet potato fries is one simple change, they contain 4.1g of fibre per 100g and just one portion contributes towards the recommended daily intake.”
The research also identified the top 10 health symptoms that could be indicators of a lack of fibre:
- Poor sleep quality
- Low energy
- Feeling stressed
- Feeling sluggish
- Dry skin
- Feeling bloated
- Frequent cravings
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Irregular bowel movements
