How Many People Are Fibre Deficient? Global & Regional Statistics

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 BBC article, up to 90% of adults in the UK are not eating enough fibre, a statistic mirrored in many regions globally. This widespread dietary shortfall highlights a significant public health issue and addresses the question of how many people are fibre deficient.

Quick Summary

Billions of people worldwide consume significantly less fibre than recommended, with vast majorities in the US and UK deficient. This widespread dietary gap has serious health implications for digestion, metabolism, and overall wellness.

Key Points

Global Problem: The majority of adults worldwide fail to meet daily fibre recommendations, with figures exceeding 90% in some developed countries.
Significant Shortfall: Average daily intake is often drastically lower than recommended targets; for instance, UK adults consume around 18g compared to the 30g recommendation.
Serious Health Risks: Low fibre intake is strongly linked to an increased risk of conditions like constipation, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Impact on Gut Health: A lack of fibre can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, which is vital for immune function and overall well-being.
Rooted in Modern Diet: The widespread deficiency is largely driven by the modern shift towards processed foods and away from fibre-rich whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Actionable Change: Simple dietary swaps, such as choosing whole grains and adding more fruits and vegetables, can significantly improve daily fibre intake.

The Global Reality of Widespread Fibre Deficiency

Dietary fibre is a crucial component of a healthy diet, known for its benefits in digestion, heart health, and weight management. Despite this, global fibre intake is consistently lower than recommended amounts. Studies have documented the rising global disease burden attributable to a diet low in fibre, linking it to conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The issue is not confined to one specific area but is a global phenomenon driven by the modern diet's shift towards processed foods and away from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Regional Breakdown: A Closer Look at the Numbers

Recent data from multiple regions confirms that fibre deficiency is an extensive problem. While statistics can vary slightly by source and year, a clear pattern of insufficient intake is evident.

United States: As of a 2025 YouTube report referencing a study, 95% of Americans do not get enough daily fibre. Adult intake often averages around 16 grams per day, falling short of the recommended 25-38 grams.
United Kingdom: National Diet and Nutrition Survey data indicates that over 90% of adults do not meet the recommended daily intake of 30g. Average adult intake is only about 18g daily.
Poland: A study involving adult residents found the average daily fibre intake to be only 17.83g, with just 20.5% of the population meeting the recommendations. Notably, more men than women met the requirements.
Australia: Similarly, most Australian adults consume only 20-25g of fibre daily, falling short of the 25g (women) and 30g (men) recommendations.

Why Are So Many People Falling Short?

Several factors contribute to this widespread dietary gap:

Increased Consumption of Processed Foods: The modern diet has increasingly replaced fibre-rich whole foods with processed carbohydrates, which often have their fibre content removed.
Lack of Awareness: Many people are simply not aware of the recommended daily fibre intake or the significant health benefits of consuming enough fibre.
Cost and Access: For some, the cost of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be prohibitive, particularly when compared to cheaper, processed food alternatives.
Dietary Habits: Established eating habits, especially in childhood, can be difficult to change later in life.

The Health Consequences of a Low-Fibre Diet

A persistent lack of fibre can have a detrimental effect on multiple bodily systems:

Digestive Issues: The most immediate consequence is a slowed digestive process, leading to constipation, bloating, and gas. In the long term, it can contribute to hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
Cardiovascular Disease: Soluble fibre helps lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Insufficient intake is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Type 2 Diabetes: Fibre helps regulate blood sugar levels. A low-fibre diet can lead to unstable blood sugar, increasing the risk of developing or worsening type 2 diabetes.
Weight Gain: Fibre promotes satiety, helping you feel full for longer. Without it, overeating becomes more likely, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
Gut Microbiome Imbalance (Dysbiosis): Fibre is food for beneficial gut bacteria. A low-fibre diet starves these microbes, leading to a less diverse and less healthy gut, which can impact immune function and inflammation.
Increased Risk of Certain Cancers: Studies have shown a link between higher fibre intake and a reduced risk of bowel cancer.

Comparing Recommended vs. Actual Daily Fibre Intake


Region	Recommended Daily Intake (g)	Typical Average Intake (g)	Source	Percentage Meeting Intake	Key Findings
United States (Adults)	Women: 25g; Men: 38g	~16g	BBC Good Food, Mayo Clinic	~5%	A vast majority fail to meet daily targets, pointing to a severe nutritional deficit.
United Kingdom (Adults)	30g	~18g	BBC Good Food	Less than 10%	UK adults consume only around 60% of their daily recommended amount.
Poland (Adults)	25g (age 19-65)	~17.83g	NIH PMC	~20.5%	Despite awareness, average intake remains low, highlighting a need for educational efforts.
Australia (Adults)	Women: 25g; Men: 30g	20-25g	Better Health Channel	Not specified	Most Australians are falling short of their recommended targets, particularly men.

How to Increase Your Fibre Intake

Increasing your daily fibre intake is achievable with simple dietary adjustments. It is important to do so gradually to avoid discomfort like bloating or gas and to ensure you increase your fluid intake alongside it.

Choose Whole Grains Over Refined: Swap white bread, pasta, and rice for their whole-grain counterparts. These retain more of their natural fibre.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: A varied intake of fruits and vegetables is key. Eat whole fruits instead of juice, and keep the skins on where possible, such as with potatoes and apples.
Incorporate Legumes: Add beans, lentils, and chickpeas to stews, salads, and side dishes. They are excellent sources of both fibre and protein.
Snack Smarter: Replace low-fibre, processed snacks with nuts, seeds, oatcakes, and vegetable sticks.
Start Your Day Right: High-fibre cereals, like porridge or wheat biscuits, can provide a significant head start on your daily intake.

For more detailed guidance on fibre-rich foods, authoritative sources like the NHS provide valuable resources for improving your diet NHS Guidelines for Increasing Fibre.

Conclusion: Addressing a Global Nutritional Gap

In conclusion, fibre deficiency is a widespread global issue affecting billions, with staggering statistics revealing a significant gap between recommended and actual intake in many developed nations. The shift towards processed foods is a primary culprit, leading to a host of health problems ranging from chronic digestive issues to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By understanding the health implications and making simple, conscious dietary changes, individuals can work towards bridging this nutritional gap. Promoting greater awareness and access to fibre-rich foods is essential for improving public health outcomes and ensuring that more people can enjoy the extensive benefits of a high-fibre diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recommended daily fibre intake varies slightly by region and gender. For instance, the Mayo Clinic recommends 38 grams for men under 50 and 25 grams for women under 50 in the US. In the UK, the recommendation for adults is 30 grams per day.

Common symptoms of fibre deficiency include constipation, irregular bowel movements, persistent feelings of fatigue, and experiencing unexplained fluctuations in blood sugar levels. A consistently low-fibre diet is also associated with less satiety, leading to increased hunger.

Excellent sources of dietary fibre include fruits (especially with edible skins like apples and pears), vegetables, legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), whole grains (oats, brown rice, whole wheat), nuts, and seeds.

Yes. Fibre helps with weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness (satiety), which can lead to consuming fewer overall calories. Fibre-rich foods are also typically lower in calories and processed sugars.

Soluble fibre, found in oats and beans, dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance that can help lower cholesterol and glucose levels. Insoluble fibre, found in whole wheat and vegetables, adds bulk to stool and promotes movement through the digestive system.

While supplements can help increase intake, it is generally recommended to get fibre from whole foods. Food sources provide a variety of fibre types and other essential nutrients that supplements lack. A sudden increase in supplementary fibre can also cause digestive issues.

If you are not used to a high-fibre diet, increasing your intake too quickly can lead to temporary side effects like bloating, gas, and abdominal cramping. It is best to increase your fibre consumption gradually over several weeks and also increase your fluid intake.