Recommended Intake

How Much Fiber Do You Need?

The recommended dietary fiber intake is 14 grams per 1,000 calories consumed. Most of us consume closer to 2,000 calories, making the requirement closer to 28 grams of fiber per day. The guidelines below are based on estimated calorie intakes for the different groups.

Women	< 50 years of age: 20 grams per day > 50 years of age: 25 grams per day
Men	< 50 years of age: 30 grams per day > 50 years of age: 38 grams per day
Children	age plus 5 grams per day

Unfortunately, the average intake for Americans is only 15 grams per day. The recent bad rap on carbs hasn’t helped matters. Too many people have cut out carbs altogether, thereby severely minimizing their intake of fiber.