There are so many nutrients that our bodies need, so it's easy to miss out on getting enough of each one. And fiber is one nutrient that is really important, but often overlooked.
Less than 10% of U.S. adults are getting the recommended daily intake of fiber, according to a study that was presented at Nutrition 2021 Live Online.
For adults aged 50 and under, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that women get 25 grams of fiber a day, and men get 38 grams daily. For those over the age of 50, women should aim for 21 grams and men should aim for 30 grams a day, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
Typically, American adults are only eating about 10 to 15 grams of total fiber a day, Harvard Health Publishing states.
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This "may be, in part, because [people] don't realize the importance. Fiber is something that we can easily take in every day," according to Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, a celebrity nutrition expert and New York Times best-selling author.
Does that mean everyone should take fiber supplements? Or are there better, simpler ways to get the nutrient?