Most U.S. citizens are not getting enough daily dietary fiber and whole grains.
The team found people who ate the recommended three servings of whole grains a day also tended to get the most fiber, Reuters reported. The research was conducted at University of Minnesota in St. Paul.
Past studies have linked whole grain consumption to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
"Most people do not consume whole grains in amounts that can be most beneficial, also many people, even health professionals, are confused about the relationship between whole grain and fiber," Marla Reicks told Reuters.
Fiber can also be found in fruits, vegetables, and beans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services says at least half of all consumed grains should be whole grains.
It is recommended that young children get 19 to 25 grams of fiber every day while teens and adults should get 21 to 38 grams.
Researchers looked at data from 9,042 people surveyed in 2009 and 2010 as well as a "national nutrition and health survey," Reuters reported.
The team found children who ate the daily recommended servings of grains were 59 times more likely to be in the top third of fiber consumers; adults who met the recommendations were 76 times more likely to be in the top third.
The main sources of fiber seen in the study were "breakfast cereal, breads and rolls, oatmeal and popcorn," Reuters reported.
Consumers are encouraged to look for the whole grain stamp on product labels.
"Some products indicate the whole grain content in grams on the label, which is very useful if you know how much whole grain is needed to count as a serving, and some use the whole grain stamp (The Whole Grains Council), but not all," Reicks said.
"The study reinforces the preponderance of scientific evidence and supports the recommendations set forth by many dietary guidelines advisory committees within the U.S. and throughout the globe," Roger Clemens told Reuters.
