Cereal fibre intake in Australia: a cross-sectional analysis of the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey

Abstract

Extensive evidence supports health benefits of cereal fibre, however globally no national intake data exists. This study aimed to determine estimates of intake and food sources of cereal fibre, and relationships to dietary fibre intake in an Australian sample population. A cereal fibre database was applied to dietary intake data from the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 12,153). Usual intake based on 2-day intake data was weighted to infer population results. Median daily cereal fibre intake was 6.4 g/d (9.7 g/10 MJ/d) for adults (19–85 years) and 6.2 g/d (10.2 g/10 MJ/d) for children/adolescents (2–18 years). Individuals with the highest cereal fibre intake were more likely to meet dietary fibre recommendations than those with the lowest intake (males Q4: 17.1% Q1: 3.9%; females Q4: 20.3% Q1: 6.6%). Breakfast cereals, bread and bread rolls provided the most cereal fibre. This study provides first quantification of cereal fibre from all sources in an Australian national sample.

Keywords:

• Australian Health Survey
• dietary intake data
• cereal fibre
• grains
• dietary fibre

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Rebecca Williams and the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council for their support and advice in development of the research question and methodology, Dr. Elizabeth Neale for her assistance with data management and organisation and A/Prof Marijka Batterham for statistical advice.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.