IOM Report Sets New Definition for Fiber, New RDAs for Essential Nutrients

In response to the September release of the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) Daily References Intakes report for macronutrients, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) reiterates that "three-prong" fiber definitions may harm attempts for international standardization. The IOM report updates recommended daily allowances (RDAs), of which fiber was included for the first time and defined as "dietary" and "functional" fiber combined to equal "total" fiber. According to the CHPA, which previously denounced this definition in June 2001, this approach differs from the single definition most governments prefer and could create the need for new ways to ensure label claims are consistent. The report's RDAs of total fiber are: adult men older than 50, 30 g/day; adult women older than 50, 21 g/day; adult men 50 and younger, 38 g/day; and adult women 50 and younger, 25 g/day. Adults and children may have to use fiber supplements to attain these levels, according to CHPA. CHPA Executive Newsletter Sept. 13, 2002;19-02. Return to Top