Comparisons of Dietary Fiber Intake Among 4- to 10-Year-Old Children

Children who increase their intake of high-fiber food can reduce their risk of future chronic disease.

Using 24-hour dietary recalls and 1-day food records, this study assessed the amount of nutrients and the food group choices of children who did and did not meet the recommendations of the "age +5" rule. The age +5 rule recommends that the amount of daily fiber that a child consumes should equal their age plus an additional 5 grams of fiber. The study sample data on 603 children between the ages of 4 and 6 years and 782 children between the ages of 7 and 10 years were supplied by the 1989-1991 U.S. Department of Agriculture Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals.

Only 45 percent of 4- to 6-year-olds and 32 percent of 7- to 10-year-olds met the age +5 rule of daily fiber consumption. Children who met the age +5 rule ate significantly more high- and low-fiber breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The children who chose foods with a low fiber content had consumed more fat and cholesterol to maintain high energy levels. However, the children who met the age +5 rule consumed considerable amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins A and E, folate, magnesium, and iron and therefore did not feel compelled to consume low-fiber, high-fat cholesterol-laden foods. The study found that the majority of children ate foods low in dietary fiber, which could put them at risk for future chronic diseases. By offering fiber-rich foods to children, parents and school food service personnel may increase children's acceptance and consumption of these types of food.
J.S. Hampl, et al. Journal of the American Dietetic Association
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