不同种类食物中膳食纤维的测定

目的　分析不同种类食物中总膳食纤维、可溶性及不溶性膳食纤维的含量 ,完善我国食物成分中膳食纤维数据 ,为指导和干预慢性病人的饮食治疗提供科学依据。方法　根据 2 0 0 2年中国食物成分表中的食物分类方法 ,选择不同亚类中的植物性食物 ,使用FossTecator膳食纤维分析仪 ,采用酶 重量法分析其中总膳食纤维、可溶及不可溶膳食纤维含量。结果　干豆类食物的总膳食纤维含量最多 ,平均为 36 % ,其次是粗粮类和鲜豆类 ,分别是 16 %和 14 % ,而细粮 ,蔬菜类和水果类的总膳食纤维含量较低 ,小于 10 %。豆类食物中的可溶性膳食纤维明显高于其它种类食物 ;干豆类和粗粮类的不可溶性膳食纤维含量较高 ;鲜豆类、薯类、蔬菜类的SDF IDF明显高于干豆类和谷类食物。结论　酶重量法测定食物中膳食纤维其重现性较好 ,不同种类食物膳食纤维含量与组成差异较大 ,本研究结果可建议患有糖尿病、高血脂等慢性病的病人可增加可溶性膳食纤维含量较高的鲜豆类、薯类及蔬菜类食物的摄入 ;而患有肥胖症、便秘等肠道疾病的病人可增加不溶性膳食纤维含量高的干豆及粗粮类食物的摄入。     

Total,insoluble and soluble dietary fiber contents of selected Kuwaiti composite dishes

Total dietary fiber (TDF), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) contents of 37 composite dishes commonly consumed in the State of Kuwait were determined by the AOAC enzymatic–gravimetric method of Prosky et al. Levels (g/100 g) of SDF ranged over 0.3–0.5 in fish-based dishes, 0.3–2.6 in meat-based dishes, 0.1–1.4 in rice dishes, 3.2–4.6 in vegetable dishes, 0.3–0.7 in soup dishes, 0 in dairy dishes, 0.7–0.8 in sandwiches, and 0.1–5.0 in sweet dishes. IDF levels ranged over 1.1–1.8 in fish-based, 0.9–3.2 in meat-based, 0.6–2.7 in rice, 2.1–4.0 in vegetables, 0.6–3.4 in soup, 0 in dairy, 0.2–0.3 in sandwiches, and 0.2-11.6 in sweets. TDF values ranged over 1.4–2.3 in fish-based, 1.2–3.7 in meat-based, 0.3–4.1 in rice, 3.2-4.6 in vegetables, 0.9–3.8 in soup, 0 in dairy, 0.7–0.8 in sandwiches and 0.3–15.4 in sweets. This work attempts to provide new data on TDF, IDF and SDF of selected commonly consumed Kuwaiti composite dishes.     

Some dietary fibers reduce the absorption of carotenoids in women

Dietary fiber may be partly responsible for the lower bioavailability of carotenoids from food than from purified supplements. Due to the lack of detailed information available, we investigated the effects of different kinds of dietary fiber on the absorption of carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol. Six healthy young women received an antioxidant mixture consisting of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, canthaxanthin and alpha-tocopherol together with a standard meal. The meal did not contain additional dietary fiber or was enriched with pectin, guar, alginate, cellulose or wheat bran (0. 15 g. kg body weight(-1)). The increases in plasma carotenoid and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were followed over 24 h, and the areas-under-curves (AUC(24h)) were calculated. The mean AUC(24h) of beta-carotene was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by the water-soluble fibers pectin, guar and alginate with a mean decrease of 33-43%. All tested fibers significantly reduced the AUC(24h) of lycopene and lutein by 40-74% (P < 0.05). The dietary fiber effect on the AUC(24h) of canthaxanthin was almost significant (P = 0.059) and there was no effect on the AUC(24h) of alpha-tocopherol. We conclude that the bioavailability of beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein given within a mixed supplement is markedly reduced by different kinds of dietary fiber.     

Database and Quick Methods of Assessing Typical Dietary Fiber Intakes using data for 228 Commonly Consumed Foods

To promote assessment of dietary fiber intakes in clinical settings, we established two objectives for this study: to provide a detailed database in grams per serving of fiber content and polymer composition for most fiber sources in the US diet, and to develop a quick method for estimating total fiber intakes. Data for 342 foods were condensed to 228 foods by combining similar foods. The comprehensive database developed includes pectin, hemicelluloses, and β-glucan contents of the soluble and insoluble fractions of fiber and the cellulose and Klason lignin contents of the insoluble fiber. Three fourths of the 228 foods contained 2.0 g fiber per serving or less; only 10% contained more than 3.0 g per serving. The quick method consists of multiplying the number of servings in each food group by the mean total dietary fiber content of foods in that group: 1.5 g for fruits (n=43), 1.5 g for vegetables (n=68), 1.0 g for refined grains (n=80), and 2.5 g for whole grains (n=13). Actual fiber values from the database should be used in the quick method if foodstuffs concentrated from grains, legumes, and nuts and seeds are consumed. Sample menus demonstrate that quick assessment of total fiber intake yielded results similar to the sum of individual values from the database. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97:1139–1148, 1151.     

Fiber Intake and Risk of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study

Some studies examined the inverse relation between nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) risk and dietary fibers in endemic populations. By means of a hospital-based case-control study, we verified whether this association was also present in Italy in connection with various types of dietary fibers. Cases were 198 patients with incident, histologically confirmed, NPC admitted to major teaching and general hospitals during 1992–2008. Controls were 594 patients admitted for acute, nonneoplastic conditions to the same hospital network of cases. Information was elicited using a validated food frequency questionnaire including 78 foods, food groups, or dishes. Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for quartiles of intake of different types of fiber after allowance for energy intake and other potential confounding factors. Total fiber intake was inversely related to risk of NPC (OR = 0.58 for the highest vs. the lowest quartile of intake; 95% CI: 0.34–0.96). We found an inverse association for total soluble (OR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35–0.96) and total insoluble fiber (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33–0.95), in particular cellulose (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.33–0.96), and lignin (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.31–0.85). In conclusion, this study suggests that dietary intake of soluble and insoluble fibers is inversely related to NPC risk in a nonendemic southern population.     

Individual Sugars, Soluble, and Insoluble Dietary Fiber Contents of 70 High Consumption Foods

As part of the continuous efforts of the Nutrient Data Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA in updating and expanding the carbohydrate data in its database, foods were selected based on dietary fiber content and frequency of consumption. They were analyzed by a commercial testing laboratory under a USDA contract. Individual sugars, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber values of 70 foods in six food groups were reported. Foods included 14 baked products, 10 cereal grains and pastas, 19 fruits, seven legumes, 10 cooked vegetables, and 10 raw vegetables. Except for cereal grains/pasta and legumes, most other foods contained fructose and glucose; sucrose was found in almost all except baked products, which were the most predominant source of maltose. Fruits contained the most total sugar and cereal, grains/pasta the least. Legumes contained the highest amount of total dietary fiber. All these commonly consumed foods, with the exception of cooked white rice, contained both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. The percent of soluble and insoluble fiber varied across food groups, even within each group. Comparison of data from the commercial laboratory with those of the same food analyzed in the Food Composition Laboratory using different methods indicated there was good agreement between high-performance liquid chromatographic and gas chromatographic methods for the determination of individual sugars. Total dietary fiber as calculated from the sum of soluble and insoluble fiber according to AOAC Method 991.43 and total dietary fiber from direct analysis using a single enzyme-gravimetric method showed high variability (r²<0.8) for three of the six food groups, but good agreement for others.     

Family meal patterns: associations with sociodemographic characteristics and improved dietary intake among adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To examine family meal patterns and associations with sociodemographic characteristics and dietary intake in adolescents. DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Adolescents completed the Project EAT (Eating Among Teens) survey and the Youth and Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire within their schools. Subjects/setting The study population included 4,746 middle and high school students from Minneapolis/St. Paul public schools with diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Statistical analyses Associations were examined using cross tabulations, log-linear modeling, and linear regressions. RESULTS: There was a wide distribution in the frequency of family meals during the previous week: never (14.0%), 1 or 2 times (19.1%), 3 to 6 times (40.1%), and 7 or more times (24.8%). Sociodemographic characteristics associated with more frequent family meals included gender (boys), school level (middle school), race (Asian American), mother's employment status (not employed), and socioeconomic status (high). Frequency of family meals was positively associated with intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, and calcium-rich foods and negatively associated with soft drink consumption. Positive associations were also seen between frequency of family meals and energy; protein (percentage of total calories); calcium; iron; folate; fiber; and vitamins A, C, E, and B-6. CONCLUSIONS: Family meals appear to play an important role in promoting positive dietary intake among adolescents. Feasible ways to increase the frequency of family meals should be explored with adolescents and their families.     

Association of Nursery School-Level Promotion of Vegetable Eating with Caregiver-Reported Vegetable Consumption Behaviours among Preschool Children: A Multilevel Analysis of Japanese Children

Nursery schools can play an important role in children developing healthy eating behaviours, including vegetable consumption. However, the effect of school-level vegetable promotion on vegetable consumption and body mass index (BMI) remains unclear. This study examined the associations of nursery school-level promotion of eating vegetables first at meals with Japanese children’s vegetable consumption behaviours and BMI. We used cross-sectional data collected in 2015, 2016, and 2017 on 7402 children in classes of 3–5-year-olds in all 133 licensed nursery schools in Adachi, Tokyo, Japan. Caregivers were surveyed on their children’s eating behaviours (frequency of eating vegetables, willingness to eat vegetables and number of kinds of vegetables eaten), height and weight. Nursery school-level promotion of eating vegetables first at meals was assessed using individual responses, with the percentage of caregivers reporting that their children ate vegetables first at meals as a proxy for the school-level penetration of the promotion of vegetable eating. Multilevel analyses were conducted to investigate the associations of school-level vegetable-eating promotion with vegetable consumption behaviours and BMI. Children in schools that were 1 interquartile range higher on vegetable promotion ate vegetable dishes more often (β = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.004–0.07), and were more often willing to eat vegetables (adjusted odds ratio = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07–1.28), as well as to eat more kinds of vegetables (adjusted odds ratio = 1.19 times; 95% CI: 1.06–1.34). School-level vegetable-eating promotion was not associated with BMI. The school-level health strategy of eating vegetables first may be effective in increasing children’s vegetable intake but not in preventing being overweight.     

Evaluation of a high-fiber diet in hyperlipidemia: a review

Epidemiologic studies of cardiovascular mortality rates in different countries have suggested that dietary fiber may play a protective role. Within a similar population, a large intake of fiber is associated with a lower relative risk of death from coronary heart disease. Dietary fiber may be separated into at least two types: insoluble, which includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin; and soluble, including pectin and gums. Laxative effects appear to predominate with insoluble fibers such as wheat bran, with little change in plasma lipid levels in most studies. Pectin, guar gum, and oat bran (soluble fibers) have been reported to have hypocholesterolemic effects in both animals and man, with the effect being proportional to the degree of cholesterol elevation. Other gums, specifically those from locust bean and karaya, have a similar effect, with the decrease in total cholesterol due primarily to a decrease in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction. While some studies have shown continued improvement over a period of months, this has not been uniformly found. Both normal and elevated triglyceride levels appear to be more resistant to change with dietary fiber. An increase of dietary carbohydrate as a source of fiber may be associated with an increase in triglyceride levels. Fiber may, however, offer some protection against an increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in subjects fed diets containing large amounts of sucrose. Although rats fed oat bran, guar gum, or pectin had lower levels of hepatic and blood triglycerides, humans with hypercholesterolemia fed oat bran or guar showed no effect on their triglycerides.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

食物中膳食纤维含量及其组成特点

用洗涤剂方法测定北京市34种常见食物中膳食纤维含量,包括中性洗涤剂纤维、酸性洗涤剂纤维、纤维素、半纤维素和木质素,以干样计,蔬菜膳食纤维含量与蔬菜种类有关,嫩茎、叶、苔、花类含量高,含淀粉较高的根茎类则低,其它根茎类居中。各类食物的膳食纤维的组成成分也不同,蔬菜、干豆类以纤维素为主,谷类绝大部分以半纤维素为主,除蒜苗外,所有样品中以木质素含量为最低。     

Evaluation of a high-fiber diet in hyperlipidemia: a review.

Epidemiologic studies of cardiovascular mortality rates in different countries have suggested that dietary fiber may play a protective role. Within a similar population, a large intake of fiber is associated with a lower relative risk of death from coronary heart disease. Dietary fiber may be separated into at least two types: insoluble, which includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin; and soluble, including pectin and gums. Laxative effects appear to predominate with insoluble fibers such as wheat bran, with little change in plasma lipid levels in most studies. Pectin, guar gum, and oat bran (soluble fibers) have been reported to have hypocholesterolemic effects in both animals and man, with the effect being proportional to the degree of cholesterol elevation. Other gums, specifically those from locust bean and karaya, have a similar effect, with the decrease in total cholesterol due primarily to a decrease in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction. While some studies have shown continued improvement over a period of months, this has not been uniformly found. Both normal and elevated triglyceride levels appear to be more resistant to change with dietary fiber. An increase of dietary carbohydrate as a source of fiber may be associated with an increase in triglyceride levels. Fiber may, however, offer some protection against an increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in subjects fed diets containing large amounts of sucrose. Although rats fed oat bran, guar gum, or pectin had lower levels of hepatic and blood triglycerides, humans with hypercholesterolemia fed oat bran or guar showed no effect on their triglycerides.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Soluble dietary fiber and cholesterol influence in vivo hepatic and intestinal cholesterol biosynthesis in rats.

Ninety-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments. Rats were fed, with ad libitum access, diets containing 10% dietary fiber as cellulose (control), pectin, psyllium or oat bran with or without 0.3% added cholesterol for 3 wk. Among cholesterol-fed rats, liver total cholesterol was significantly lower in rats fed diets supplemented with either pectin or psyllium compared with those fed cellulose. In contrast, rats fed oat bran with cholesterol had significantly higher liver cholesterol concentrations compared with cellulose-fed animals. Liver total lipid concentrations were significantly lower in groups fed pectin and psyllium with or without dietary cholesterol compared with cellulose-fed controls. Pectin feeding with or without dietary cholesterol significantly lowered plasma total cholesterol compared with cellulose feeding. Oat bran had no effect on plasma total cholesterol compared with control diets. Hepatic sterol synthesis was significantly greater for animals fed soluble dietary fibers compared with those fed cellulose, but the effect on intestinal sterol synthesis was less pronounced.     

Associations between watching TV during family meals and dietary intake among adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between watching television during family meals and dietary intake among adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using survey data from a diverse sample of adolescents. SETTING: Data were collected from a school-based survey during the 1998-1999 school year. PARTICIPANTS: Middle and high school students (N = 4746) from 31 public schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Response rate was 81.5%. VARIABLES MEASURED: Intake of fruits, total vegetables, dark green/yellow vegetables, calcium-rich food, grains, soft drinks, fried food, snack food, calories, family meal frequency, and watching television during meals. ANALYSIS: General linear modeling comparing dietary intake across 3 groups. RESULTS: 33.5% of boys and 30.9% of girls reported watching television during family meals. Adolescents watching television were found to have lower intakes of vegetables, dark green/yellow vegetables, calcium-rich food, and grains and higher intakes of soft drinks compared to adolescents not watching television during meals. However, watching television during family meals was associated with a more healthful diet than not eating regular family meals. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Watching television during family meals was associated with poorer dietary quality among adolescents. Health care providers should work with families and adolescents to promote family meals, emphasizing turning the TV off at meals.     

Nutrient Density and the Cost of Vegetables from Elementary School Lunches

Vegetables are the major source of the dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and C that are crucial in the diets of children. This study assessed the nutrient content of vegetables offered through the National School Lunch Program and examined the relation between the overall nutrient density of vegetable subgroups and the costs of nutrients offered and wasted before and after the changes in school meal standards. Using data collected from 3 elementary schools before and after the changes in school meal standards, we found that vegetable plate waste increased from 52% to 58%. Plate waste for starchy vegetables, exclusive of potatoes, was relatively high compared with other subgroups; however, plate waste for white potatoes was the lowest among any type of vegetable. Energy density; cost per 100 g, per serving, and per 100 kcal; and percentage daily value were calculated and used to estimate nutrient density value and nutrient density per dollar. Cost per 100 kcal was highest for red/orange vegetables followed by dark green vegetables; however, nutrient density for red/orange vegetables was the highest in the group and provided the most nutrients per dollar compared with other subgroups. Given that many vegetables are less energy dense, measuring vegetable costs per 100 g and per serving by accounting for nutrient density perhaps is a better way of calculating the cost of vegetables in school meals.     

Total, insoluble and soluble dietary fiber contents of selected Kuwaiti composite dishes

Total dietary fiber (TDF), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) contents of 37 composite dishes commonly consumed in the State of Kuwait were determined by the AOAC enzymatic-gravimetric method of Prosky et al. Levels (g/100 g) of SDF ranged over 0.3-0.5 in fish-based dishes, 0.3-2.6 in meat-based dishes, 0.1-1.4 in rice dishes, 3.2-4.6 in vegetable dishes, 0.3-0.7 in soup dishes, 0 in dairy dishes, 0.7-0.8 in sandwiches, and 0.1-5.0 in sweet dishes. IDF levels ranged over 1.1-1.8 in fish-based, 0.9-3.2 in meat-based, 0.6-2.7 in rice, 2.1-4.0 in vegetables, 0.6-3.4 in soup, 0 in dairy, 0.2-0.3 in sandwiches, and 0.2-11.6 in sweets. TDF values ranged over 1.4-2.3 in fish-based, 1.2-3.7 in meat-based, 0.3-4.1 in rice, 3.2-4.6 in vegetables, 0.9-3.8 in soup, 0 in dairy, 0.7-0.8 in sandwiches and 0.3-15.4 in sweets. This work attempts to provide new data on TDF, IDF and SDF of selected commonly consumed Kuwaiti composite dishes.     

53例糖尿病患者膳食中膳食纤维的摄入量调查

目的调查糖尿患者总膳食纤维、可溶及不可溶性膳食纤维的摄入量,为糖尿患者膳食纤维营养状况的研究提供重要基础数据。方法通过不同实验室间的比对研究建立膳食纤维酶重量分析方法。采用称重法和食物计量图片法登记53例糖尿患者连续3d每餐的食物摄入种类和重量,利用酶重量法建立的食物中膳食纤维数据库计算膳食纤维摄入的数量和种类。结果3个实验室测定膳食纤维数据的相对标准偏差在2.63%~9.67%之间。调查对象蔬菜类食物摄入量最多,是膳食纤维的主要来源。调查对象总膳食纤维摄入量为(26.5±9.8)g/d,不可溶性膳食纤维摄入量为(14.6±5.8)g/d,可溶性膳食纤维摄入量为(10.4±4.4)g/d。结论本次调查对象的总膳食纤维日摄入量处于美国糖尿病协会推荐摄入量范围内。     

Dietary soluble fiber and cholesterol affect serum cholesterol concentration, hepatic portal venous short-chain fatty acid concentrations and fecal sterol excretion in rats.

Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing 7.5% dietary fiber as cellulose (control), pectin, psyllium or oat bran with or without 0.3% added cholesterol for 3 wk. Among rats fed cholesterol, liver total lipid and cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in groups fed pectin, psyllium and oat bran compared with cellulose-fed controls. Cholesterol feeding resulted in significantly greater liver cholesterol in rats fed cellulose, psyllium and oat bran but not in those fed pectin. Among rats fed cholesterol, total serum cholesterol levels were significantly lower in those fed pectin than in those fed psyllium, oat bran or cellulose. When cholesterol was fed, the oat bran-fed group had significantly higher butyrate and the pectin-fed group had significantly higher propionate concentrations in the hepatic portal vein than did cellulose-fed controls. The groups fed psyllium, oat bran and pectin all had significantly higher fecal neutral sterols than did the cellulose-fed group when cholesterol was fed. Without dietary cholesterol only pectin-fed rats had significantly higher fecal excretion of neutral sterols than those fed cellulose. Dietary fiber did not influence fecal acidic sterol excretion. However, the addition of cholesterol to these fiber diets was accompanied by a significantly higher bile acid excretion than that of animals fed cellulose without cholesterol. The results of this study indicate that soluble dietary fibers may exert their hypocholesterolemic effect by increasing excretion of fecal neutral sterols.     

Dietary fiber reduces the antioxidative effect of a carotenoid and α-tocopherol mixture on LDL oxidation ex vivo in humans

BACKGROUND: Antioxidant concentrations in low density lipoproteins (LDL) are an important determinant for their susceptibility to oxidation and can be modulated by dietary intake. AIM OF THE STUDY: In the present study, the influence of dietary fiber on the antioxidant enrichment and the oxidation resistance of LDL after antioxidant supplementation is investigated. METHOD: An antioxidant supplement consisting of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, canthaxanthin and alpha-tocopherol was given to six young women together with a standard meal. Using a cross-over study design, each subject received the standard meal without additional dietary fiber and enriched with pectin, guar, or cellulose in a random order. To determine the resistance of LDL against copper ion-induced oxidation, the formation of conjugated dienes was measured. RESULTS: Eight, 10, and 24 hours after antioxidant supplementation the isolated LDL revealed significantly (p < 0.05) increased antioxidant concentrations; addition of pectin, guar, or cellulose to the meal depressed this increase. Concomitantly, the observed increase in the resistance of LDL against oxidation (measured as lag phase) was lower with dietary fiber supplementation than that found without. On average, pectin, guar, and cellulose reduced the increase of the lag phase (measured without addition of dietary fiber) by 38%, 22%, and 18%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that dietary fiber supplementation decreases the antioxidative effect of a supplement consisting of carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol in LDL, an effect that is likely to be mediated by a reduced bioavailability of these antioxidants in the gut.     

Therapeutic Potential of Various Plant-Based Fibers to Improve Energy Homeostasis via the Gut Microbiota

Obesity is due in part to increased consumption of a Western diet that is low in dietary fiber. Conversely, an increase in fiber supplementation to a diet can have various beneficial effects on metabolic homeostasis including weight loss and reduced adiposity. Fibers are extremely diverse in source and composition, such as high-amylose maize, β-glucan, wheat fiber, pectin, inulin-type fructans, and soluble corn fiber. Despite the heterogeneity of dietary fiber, most have been shown to play a role in alleviating obesity-related health issues, mainly by targeting and utilizing the properties of the gut microbiome. Reductions in body weight, adiposity, food intake, and markers of inflammation have all been reported with the consumption of various fibers, making them a promising treatment option for the obesity epidemic. This review will highlight the current findings on different plant-based fibers as a therapeutic dietary supplement to improve energy homeostasis via mechanisms of gut microbiota.     

Dietary fiber consumption in an adult population

OBJECTIVE: The dietary fiber has emerged as a leading dietary factor in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. I was estimated the average consumption of total dietary fiber (DF), insoluble fiber (IF) and soluble fiber (SF) in the meals of both sex adults from the town of Cotia, a metropolitan area in S. Paulo State, Brazil. METHODS: A population sample of Cotia country, S. Paulo (Brazil), consisted of 559 adults older than 20 years old, was studied. Food consumption was assessed by the dietary history habits. The amount of dietary fiber in each meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner) was estimated by the serving size. The foods were classified according to their fiber content in Very High (7 g or more), High (4.5 to 6.9), Moderate (2.4 to 4.4) and Low (<2.4). RESULTS: The average population's consumption of dietary fiber was of 24 g/day, with an average consumption of insoluble fiber of 17 g/day and soluble of 7 g/day. Among women, the average consumption was 20 g/day and among men 29 g/day (p<0.01). Most of the foods in their diet were classified as having a low content of dietary fiber. Beans were the most important dietary fiber source in the population diet. Lunch and dinner were the meal with a higher content of dietary fiber. CONCLUSIONS: A low consumption of dietary fiber in the population sample could be detected. Their usual sources of dietary fiber were poor.