53% of Consumers Plan to Increase Fiber Intake Amidst Growing Concerns from Doctors on Processed Fiber-Enriched Foods

Doctors and nutrition researchers are increasingly raising alarms regarding the widespread proliferation of certain fiber-enriched foods and supplements in the market. This concern emerges as manufacturers heavily promote products ranging from sodas and energy drinks to snack bars with added fiber, capitalizing on a trend where approximately 53% of consumers anticipate buying more high-fiber foods in 2025. The social media phenomenon of "fibermaxxing," where individuals aim to maximize their fiber intake, further underscores this growing consumer interest.

While dietary fiber is generally beneficial for health, emerging research indicates that some fibers used in these processed products, particularly in high doses, could lead to adverse health effects for certain individuals. Concerns include potential inflammation, bloating, and pain, with studies, primarily in animals, suggesting that fibers like inulin, often derived from chicory root, might alter the immune system and increase the risk of liver issues. Andrew Gewirtz, a professor at Georgia State University, stated that "The benefits of fiber are pretty hard to reproduce safely by using these supplements and engineered foods."

Experts emphasize a critical distinction between naturally occurring fiber found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, and the isolated fibers added to processed foods. Dr. Purna Kashyap of Mayo Clinic highlighted that a variety of natural fibers is crucial for a healthy gut microbiome, cautioning against the misconception that added fiber in unhealthy foods can compensate for a poor diet. Abigail Johnson, associate director at the University of Minnesota, noted that added fiber often creates a "health halo" around products that may still contain high amounts of sugar and unhealthy additives.

The imbalance caused by consuming large amounts of only one or two types of added fibers can disrupt the gut microbiome, according to Heather Armstrong, a researcher at the University of Alberta. She explained that some individuals might experience inflammation and symptoms like pain and bloating from specific added fibers such as inulin or fructooligosaccharides. Consequently, dietitians and researchers consistently advise that the most effective and safest way to increase fiber intake is through whole, unprocessed foods.

"Doctors and researchers are raising an alarm about the proliferation of certain fiber-enriched foods and supplements," stated The Wall Street Journal in a recent social media post. This collective warning underscores the importance of prioritizing dietary fiber from natural sources over relying on processed products with added fibers. Dr. Sean Spencer, medical director of microbiome diagnostics and therapeutics at Stanford Medicine, succinctly summarized this sentiment, saying, "Just eating an apple is probably the best fiber supplement you can imagine."