Dietary Fibre Intake in Chile: 13 Years after the Last National Report

Abstract

Background: The objective is to provide updated data on the intake of total dietary fibre in the population residing in Chile and to identify food sources that contribute most to its intake, as well as its association with different sociodemographic and nutritional status-related determinants. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a nationwide survey was applied to determine fibre intake using an instrument that has been previously validated in the resident population of Chile. Results: The sample consisted of a total of 1761 participants. Dietary fibre intake was 12.8 ± 7.1 g/day for the total population, and 90% of participants did not meet the recommendation, with no differences in consumption by sex, geographical area, and the urban/rural population. A lower consumption was found among participants with overweight and obesity. According to food groups, bread was the major contributor to fibre intake, providing 4.39 ± 3.05 g/day, followed by cereals (2.26 ± 2.80 g/day) and vegetables (1.85 ± 1.59 g/day). Conclusions: 90% of the population consume less fibre than recommended, and bread is the main food source; these data are critical for the development of strategies that are aimed at changing habits in order to improve diet quality.