Study reveals significant public health benefits of fiber fortification in China

A new study conducted by researchers from Tate & Lyle PLC, a world leader in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages, and Creme Global LTD, a specialist data analytics company, reveals the substantial public health benefits that could be achieved when increasing the fiber content of food products commonly consumed by the Chinese population. Getting the right amount of fiber in the diet is highly beneficial for wider health and wellbeing, including immunity, skin, brain and gut health. 

The study, the first-of-its-kind in China, has been published in BMJ Open, a peer-reviewed open access medical journal. It demonstrates that fortifying foods and drinks like flavored dairy and non-dairy products, bread, and fermented sauces and pastes, notably improves the fiber intake among both adults and children, significantly reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). 

The study’s main finding is that fortifying commonly consumed foods with fiber could help 48% more adults and 54% more children to reach the recommended daily fiber intake, meaning that 10% of adults and 22% of children in China would consume the recommended amount of fiber each day. The Chinese Nutrition Society recommends that adults consume 25g-30g of fiber per day^[1]. A widely used recommendation for children is their age in years plus 5g of fiber per day, so, for instance, a three-year-old should consume at least 8g of fiber each day^[2]. 
 

Dr. Davide Risso, Head of Nutrition Research at Tate & Lyle and a co-author of the modelling study, commented: “A 48% increase in adults and 54% increase in children reaching the recommended daily fiber intake is significant when you consider that intake rates have been climbing very slowly in many countries. Fiber fortification, which many food and drink companies are already actively pursuing, and which requires minimal consumer behavior change, presents a significant public health opportunity in China, complementing existing health interventions.” 
 
Researchers utilized a simulation-based approach, leveraging data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey [3]. They identified 296 commercially manufactured foods and beverages eligible for fiber fortification ^[4] and modelled the potential health outcomes of increased fiber consumption. 

This is the very first study to model the public health benefits of fiber fortification in China, providing compelling evidence for the potential health gains. The researchers encourage more food and beverage producers to consider fiber fortification as a viable strategy to enhance public health, reduce the burden of chronic diseases, and meet growing consumer interest in fiber-fortified food and drinks. 

Sandrine Pigat, Head of Food & Nutrition at Creme Global, commented: “By leveraging datasets on dietary intakes, Creme Global’s mathematical models and health outcome-based algorithms, we can assess the impact of fiber fortification scenarios and subsequently the impact on health in the Chinese population. This study shows the power of bringing various data sources together and modelling health impacts on a national level, informing future public health decisions and their impact.”  

For more information and tips on how to increase your fiber intake – and more information about a similar study conducted in the UK - visit: tateandlyle.com/guthealth

* “Modelling the public health benefits of fiber fortification in the Chinese population through food reformulation”.