Despite being linked to reduced risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colon cancer, fibre consumption in the UK remains critically low. According to the British Dietetic Association, the average UK adult consumes only about 19g of fibre daily, far below the recommended 30g. Only 9% of Britons meet the target, a figure that has not budged since guidelines were updated in 2015.
Dr Samantha Gill, a specialist gastroenterology dietitian, calls fibre the 'forgotten nutrient', often perceived as bland and associated with bloating. Yet a landmark 2019 study found that a fibre-rich diet can reduce the risk of major diseases by 16-24%. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition also reported that every 7g increase in daily fibre lowers the risk of noncommunicable diseases by up to 9%.
Fibre is found in wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Unlike other carbohydrates, it passes through the gut undigested, aiding bowel health and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Bridget Benelam of the British Nutrition Foundation notes that increasing fibre intake would bring 'so many health benefits' and support a more sustainable diet.
James Collier, co-founder of Huel, describes the situation as a 'fibre crisis', arguing that a plant-rich diet makes reaching 30g 'super-easy'. However, barriers include lack of awareness beyond bowel health and negative perceptions of starchy foods. In contrast, Denmark's Whole Grain Partnership boosted daily wholegrain intake by 128% between 2008 and 2019, with 54% now meeting recommendations. Experts advise gradually increasing fibre to avoid side effects.
