Dietary fiber content of a simulated American diet and selected research diets

Few studies accurately report total-dietary-fiber (TDF) content of current and alternative diets. In this study we analyzed and calculated TDF content of a simulated American diet with household Nationwide Food Consumption Survey data. We also analyzed the fiber content of four research diets: control; bean; high fiber, maintenance (HFM); and high carbohydrate, high fiber (HCF). Analyzed and calculated fiber values for the simulated diet were similar. The simulated, control, bean, HFM, and HCF diets provided 5.6, 8.1, 12.2, 17.4, and 22.8 g TDF/1000 kcal, respectively. Soluble-fiber content ranged from 1.7 g/1000 kcal for the simulated diet to 6.1 g/1000 kcal for the HCF diet. Cereal products contributed the most to total fiber content of the simulated diet, followed in order by vegetables, legumes, fruits, and miscellaneous foods. Fiber content of the simulated diet was below recommended levels. The HFM diet is suggested for individuals desiring to increase their dietary fiber intake.