Is a high-fiber diet safe for children?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Dietary Fiber Research
• Child Health and Safety

Background:

• Dietary fiber offers health benefits in childhood.
• Concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects of very high fiber diets in children.
• This report addresses safety concerns and proposes safe intake levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review major safety concerns of high fiber diets in children.
• Estimate fiber amounts causing adverse physiologic effects.
• Propose safe dietary fiber intake levels for children and adolescents.

Main Methods:

• Reviewed published studies on childhood dietary fiber intake.
• Documented adverse effects and characterized fiber consumption.
• Compared adverse effect levels with recommended intake for children over 2.

Main Results:

• High fiber intake may cause minor energy, protein, and fat loss, unlikely to be significant with adequate nutrient consumption.
• Doubling current fiber intake is unlikely to adversely affect vitamin and mineral levels in healthy children.
• Conservative fiber intake recommendations (e.g., age plus 5 formula) are considered safe.

Conclusions:

• Moderate increases in dietary fiber are likely beneficial, not harmful, for US children.
• Adequate nutrient intake mitigates potential negative impacts of higher fiber consumption.
• Current evidence supports the safety of moderate dietary fiber increases for children.