Experts warn Australians jumping on the fibre-maxxing trend too fast
Australians eat 18-21g of fibre daily. Jumping to much higher amounts suddenly risks gas and constipation.
Most Australians don't eat enough fibre. Men eat 21g daily but the target is 30g.
Women eat 18g daily but the target is 25g. A social media trend called "fibre-maxxing" pushes people to eat more fruits, vegetables, seeds and grains to hit these targets.
An Adelaide University nutrition expert calls it "one of the more positive" food trends. But she warns against jumping to high fibre all at once.
Sudden large increases cause gas, bloating and constipation without enough water. The key is making gradual, steady increases over time.
Choose whole foods like beans, vegetables and fruit instead of supplements. Supplements miss other nutrients.
- 21g versus 30g target
- Men's daily intake
- 18g versus 25g target
- Women's daily intake
- Evangeline Mantzioris, Adelaide University
- Expert
Why it mattersFibre protects against chronic disease like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. But the right pace matters more than speed.
AustraliaMost Australian men and women eat well below recommended fibre levels and need to increase gradually to avoid digestive discomfort.
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